I'm very worried...could this be a melanoma???

[Natassia]

My gelding is due to have his sheath and penis cleaned, which is a problem because he's very 'shy' and rarely gets it out when I'm around...any advice appreciated on this. I've put baby oil on it when its 1/2 out but not sure about the rest.
The thing thats worrying me is that he has a very small spot on his sheath, the outside of it. Its roughly mole-sized, and white, just like a mole. It isn't bleeding or bothering him at all. He also has another one at the top of his leg on the inside. Does anyone have any idea what it is? Obviously I'm keeping a close eye on it but could it be cancer? As fas as I'm aware he's always had it, it hasn't suddenly appeared.
If anyone has any knowledge/advice to share I'd really appreciate it, I'm quite concerned about it.

 

[ladyt25]

Could be a sarcoid, could be a skin nodule, could be a melanoma. The only way you're really going to get an answer is from a vet. Get them to take a look on their next visit. If it's not growing or causing him any discomfort I wouldn't worry about it too much and bess leave well alone IMO.

 

[Tiffany]

It could be a melanoma - is he grey because grey's apparently they get them more than any other colour. My mare's got one under her tail and the vet told me to leave it unless it changed shape or got bigger. I'm sure ther's been another thread on this subject which was quite informative.

Unfortunately, can't remember when.

 

[Natassia]

He's a 7 y/o chestnut. Thank you for your replies a friend at the yard has the vet coming next week so I'll ask the vet to take a look at it, to rule anything serious out at least.

 

[hellybelly6]

Get the vet out. Melanomas are usually black in colour. My horse has a white long finger type of lump inside his sheath which the vet said was a wart. He has had this for about 6 years.

I have now discovered 3 black lumps around his body and suspect these are melanomas and the vet is coming out next week. My horse is 15 and is grey.

Try not to worry, let the vet have a look to be on the safe side, but I think it is probably just a wart and the vet will leave it alone, but it will need monitoring. The thinking is now that unless the lump is in an awkward place, they are generally left alone.