My childhood kitty had the same problem but it interfered significantly with eating. It absolutely sucked for her, she kept scratching it open. 
I definitely think it’s a good choice to try and have it removed. Best of luck <3
Even aside from the quality of life issues, the growth might itself turn into something life-threatening. Best-case scenario of removing it, the cat makes it through and has a few more years of high-quality life. Worst-case scenario, the cat dies of anesthetic overdose, which isn’t really all that bad a way to go. Best-case scenario of leaving it, the cat has a few more years of decreased quality of life. Worst-case scenario, the cat still has the decreased quality of life, and also dies from it (probably a much worse death than the anesthetic). That seems pretty clear to me.
As long as I could afford it, I’d do it.
Just bumping this to wish you and Shup all the best for tomorrow.
Best wishes for a quick, uneventful recovery for Shup!
More good thoughts to Shup.
Best of luck to Shup! I’m assuming they’re using the “safer” anesthetic–I forget what it’s called, but my cat has a heart murmur and whenever he has to go under (like to get his teeth cleaned) they use a form that’s supposedly safer for older/medically compromised cats than the regular stuff (which is still quite safe for most cats, of course).
I’m sure he’ll come through fine, and I’m sure he’ll be happy to have that icky, smelly thing off his face. Be sure to let us know!
Thanks for the bump, Hermette. It’s sweet of you to remember my kitty.
I can’t say I’m looking forward to tomorrow, but I can’t say I’m dreading it. I think I’m just going to let what happens happen. What else can I do really?
I thank you everyone for your good wishes. I’m sure Shup would thank you too, but if he knew he was going to the vet tomorrow, he’d get pissed, and I’d never find him. So I haven’t told him about this thread.
Tune in tomorrow. Late tomorrow.
I was going to dig this thread up today..thanks for making it easy!
Best wishes, Two!
-D/a
You don’t have to tell him why, but you can pet him for me if he’d like that. It sounds like he’s got good vets, and I’m sure he’ll be much happier without that thing on his face.
Best wishes for a good outcome. You are a good pet owner and your cat is lucky to have you.
Good wishes for an utterly mundane surgery and a fast recovery to Shup. Give him skritches for me.
<Basil Fawlty voice> : “Hooray! The cat lives! The cat lives! Long live the cat!”
Yes, Shup went through the operation admirably well. The vet told me his heart was strong and steady during the whole thing, and when he woke up, they gave him some baby food, and he slurped it right up.
I’m looking at him right now, sitting right there, looking regal and handsome. Not some feline version of John Merrick. “I am NOT an animal!..oh, wait, yes I am.”
Not that I’m engaging in lookism, you understand. The stinkiness is gone too.
Thank you everyone for your kind words of encouragement. I think Shup is gonna be here for awhile. He has to go four more years to break Swipesy’s record as oldest cat. He’s up for it, diabetes and all.
Congratulations to you, and especially to Shup!
Good news! Give him some extra scritches for me.
yay
-D/a
Wonderful news! Hugs to both of you!
Oh, that’s great! So glad to hear he came through with flying colors!
Can we have a pic of him in his new handsomeness? 
Yay!!!
I am very happy this has worked out
A festivus miracle. Is the cat on pain pills? Did you give him some people-grade tuna? Does he have to go back to have stitches removed? pictures?