Russian Dwarf Hamster with a problem

Question
My Russian Dwarf Hamster has a bump under her right arm but unlike the other questions/answers I've read hers is more of a light brown color...almost like the color of her bedding.  It doesn't seem to bother her...she's eating, drinking, etc normally...but it does prevent her from fully extending her arm.  Is it a tumor even if it's not red or pink?  Please advise.

Answer
Hi Kelly,

Your hamster may have either an abscess or a tumor.  Not all abscesses (or tumors, for that matter) are pink.  Try to smooth back the fur and look for a bite or scratch wound on the bump.  If you can see a bite or scratch mark, then it's almost certainly an abscess.  Abscess can burst, and infection is highly likely.  To prevent a potentially fatal infection, the abscess should be drained by a vet.  (The vet may also prescribe antibiotics.)

Or, it may be a tumor.  Older hamsters are more prone to tumors, but younger hamsters can get them as well.  If a tumor is caught early enough, a vet may be able to operate on it.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask :)

Kelly