Pretty Paradox with a not so pretty lump. The following case is a bit of a sad one. This beautiful carpet python (a paradox), developed a fast growing mass on the side of her head (less than one week from the first sign of swelling). With lumps, it is important to diagnose the cause so a proper plan can be formulated. For Paradox, there were a few things to consider. The location of the mass, how fast it was growing, was it infectious or cancerous, which tissue it originated from and of course, will the treatment be in the best interest of the patient. The first step was to take a small biopsy