Tumors in Tropical Fish

Tropical fish are like other species in many respects, and that
includes the fact that they have diseases or disorders that may
resemble those of other animals, but are specific to the fish
themselves. One good example is tumors. Just as humans, cats or
dogs may get cancer or other types of tumors, so can tropical
fish.

The main difference is that treatment in fish is nearly
impossible, depending on the type and location of the mass. Not
only are they difficult to handle where a human can have clear
visual access to them, but such things as surgery are basically
out of the question. Tumors generally show themselves as a lump
under or on the skin of fish.

These are a distinct bump or lump, as opposed to the white fluff
of skin diseases. For the most part, tumors are benign, although
it's possible for one to grow so large that the fish's quality
of life declines and you may have to euthanize them. One type of
tumor that does have some success with treatment, is the kind
that forms under the skin of the gill, causing it to remain
open. The cause of this is usually a thyroid malfunction.

Remove the fish to a hospital tank, and add 1 milligram of
potassium iodine for every gallon of water. Improvement can be
slow, and the full course of treatment can take up to four
weeks. Internal tumors can be quite advanced before the fish
shows any signs, such as a swelling of the abdomen. These cases
are invariably fatal, with the rapid growth causing the fish to
lose its ability to swim or eat, at which time you should
consider euthanasia.

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