Neoplasia is becoming increasingly common as captive reptile populations age, and it should always be included in the differential diagnosis of disease. In addition to spontaneously developing neoplastic diseases, tumors have been associated with parasitism and oncogenic viruses. Surgical biopsies are preferred for diagnosis. Techniques such as radiography, ultrasonography, cytology, histopathology (biopsy), and viral isolation provide improved diagnostic capabilities. Once neoplasia is diagnosed, treatment protocols similar to those used in other animals could be considered.

Abdominal mass, kingsnake

Last full review/revision July 2011 by Stephen J. Divers, BVetMed, DZooMed, DACZM, DECZM (herpetology), FRCVS