User: My cat has a tumor and the vet quoted me 3,000 dollars for surgery. But I'm worried the tumor will just come back. How often does that happen?
Assistant: First and foremost, I am very sorry to hear that you are dealing with a veterinary care issue with your cat, and I am concerned for the wellbeing of your cat and for you as the owner and caregiver.  Here are some relevant facts regarding the prognosis for removal of an identified tumor in cats:  Removing a localized mass in cats can significantly improve their quality and duration of life.  Cats with cancer are often asymptomatic, and tumors can be extirpated while causing minimal discomfort and risk to the cat.  Following surgical excision of the mass, aggressive veterinary monitoring and treatment is often required, however this improves the prognosis for long-term survival and disease-free periods.  The recurrence rate for cancer in cats generally averages ~30%, with some tumors showing a higher recurrence rate than others.  It is highly recommended that any identified tumor in a cat be removed surgically for proper diagnosis and treatment, in order to provide the best possible outcomes.  Lastly, it is important to note that all medical decisions regarding the care of your pet should be made together with your veterinarian, who can provide additional information and advice based on the specifics of your situation.