Cheek pouch question?

[Astrobunnies]

How do you know if your hamster just has food in his pouch or if he is developing a cheek pouch tumor? I know the only real way to know for sure is time, but I am ALWAYS worried when I feel a roundish piece of food in there or a piece I don't really recognize the feeling of. Do tumors actually feel different than food?

[mangoandmimi]

They usually pouch solid foods such as seeds or pellets which should have a very different feel to a tumour or abscess which are generally softer or squidgier. They will also pouch bedding to take back to the nest though. I wouldn’t be too concerned about them unless your hamster is pouching food for an excessive amount of time, which could indicate the pouch is impacted. It means they can’t empty it and would require a vet to help out.

[Astrobunnies]

Thank you so much for the reply! That actually helps me worry less.