11 year old female cat

Question
About a year ago I noticed a small bump on the left side of my cat's neck.  I would check it periodically to see if it was growing, and it did slightly, then stopped.  About six months ago apparently it burst(I believe there might have been some type of fluid in it), and it was an open soar for about three weeks.  I called my vet, and at the time could not afford to take her in.  The vet recommended that I put antibiotic ointment on it, and try to keep it covered because each time it tried to scab over she would scratch it, and it would start bleeding again.  It did finally scab over, and seemed okay.  It didn't bother her for the last four or five months, but I have been keeping an eye on it.  I looked at it last night, and it seems to be re-forming itself, and feels as though it has a little fluid built up. It isn't hard.  I still don't really have the funds to take her to the vet.  My fear is two fold.  One, I don't want her to go through any discomfort, but also, the last time it just seemed to happen out of the blue, and we had to keep a close eye on her so that she didn't get blood on our furniture.  Could you please try to give me some insight on what it could be?  If it is cancerous I already know I don't have the funds to get her a surgery.  She seems to be fine other than that.  She is eating, drinking, purring, and seems like an overall happy kitty.

Answer
Kristie -

Unfortunately, I cannot diagnose what is affecting your cat without the benefit of a physical exam.  However, it appears that your cat my have an abscess that is not healing.  Cats' skin tends to overreact to infection and often the smallest scrape can lead to an abscess.  If it is cancerous then she will need help with pain management and possibly antibiotics.  

If you cannot afford your present veterinarian, then call around to locate another veterinarian whose fees are more reasonably suited to you.  It is important that you get that lesion on her neck evaluated and it may possibly need surgical repair.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM