Growth on lip

Question
My son's year old dwarf has developed a growth on his lower lip.  It is pink and a little smaller than a pea.  He seems to be eating and drinking all right and is still active at night.  Have you ever seen this?  Do you think we should be concerned?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Jim

It is difficult to know what this is - however, from my own experience, hamsters can get cysts, abscess, tumors or what is known a polyomavirus.

This is something that needs checking out.  If it is a cyst or abscess then it can be drained.  Perhaps he scratched himself and it is infected.  If it is a tumor or polyomavirus, then surgery may be recommended.  I would suggest monitoring it closely - can you take a photo of it and this way you'll be able to see if it is growing.  I had a Syrian hamster who has something like this - one on his eye lid and one on his chin. He had them removed and more appeared - they became very aggressive in that they appeared virtually over night and doubled in size in a matter of days. It turned out it was polyomavirus which is a form of cancer, and while he was fine in himself and went onto live beyond 2 years despite the surgery.    I've not heard of this condition affecting dwarf hamsters, though, but your vet may well be able to advise.

Regards