betta - growth on face by his eye

Question
QUESTION: I LOVE my Betta.  He is in a 10 gallon tank with a water heater (maintained at76-78 degree).  He has a water filter that he loves to play around.  He has gravel and hiding places.  Water is always at proper nitrate and amonia levels. I have had him for about a year.  For the last month he has had a growth between his eye and nose that is getting bigger every day.  I have tried MARACYN, and "betta revive" and Ich medication.  Currently he is getting PIMA Fix (first treatment last night).  This growth is now really getting big and I am so scarred.  He still eats well and plays.  This growth looks kind of like a wart or a boil.  It changes color from light grey to reddish brown.  HELP ME HELP MY BETTA!!!!

ANSWER: Hi Helen,
This could be a boil, or a tumor.  If it is a boil, it will come to a head in time.  Never never try to squeeze it, as this would cause death.  Only a vet can do this.  It could also be a tumor.  Some tumors are cancerous, some are not.  If your betta is eating, and acting normal, let him be.  Bettas will live a long time with a tumor.  Do not worry.  Fish are like people, we sometimes get tumors, and boils, pimples, etc.   The only way to be absolutely sure of what this is, would be to see a Vet.  It is very hard to diagnose a bump, or lump.
Do not medicate as there is no medication to cure this.  Keep him comfortable, and always make sure there is no ammonia in his water.  Do water changes weekly using a good water conditioner.  You may also add 2 teaspoons of diluted aquarium salt to his water, this may help.  Stop all medication.  Never medicate a betta unless you are sure of what he has.  This is not good for him.  Remove the medication by making a major water change, and putting your carbon back into the filter.
Hope this helps.
Lynda

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QUESTION: Thank you so so so much for your quick response.  I worry so much for him - he is the most adorable Betta.  What if I am wrong - how would I know if it might be a fungus or parasite and I actually should be treating him with something. Twice I have seen something "a little stringy" peal away from this growth.

Answer
Hi!
If it was fungus, you would see something that looks like white, or grayish raised fluff.  The colour you mentioned makes me think that it is a tumor.  I would treat with a good antibiotic like I mentioned above, since it is peeling.  Use a good antibiotic, and if the bump goes down, then it is a benign tumor, however it it remains, it is most likely cancerous.  There is nothing you can do, and since the Betta may live for 7 months thereafter, and is not suffering, all you can do is make his life comfortable.  It is very hard for me to know exactly.  You mentioned parasites.  I would doubt it, however it can happen.  Internal parasites are usually transmitted from one fish to another, or teinted food.  There is mediciated food for parasites, and if your Betta would eat some, it might help.  Hex-A-Mit is the medication to use for parasites.  Treat with a good antibiotic first, and see if that will help.  I hope it will, and that he will be okay.
Lynda