Yes, this is a common problem when removing large tumors, especially mammary tumors.
The procedure isn't to make an incision over the tumor, lift and cut loose the skin, remove the underlying tumor, and sew the skin up. The incision is made around the tumor, and skin, fascia and tumor are removed all together.
There are several reasons for this, them main one being to remove any possible stray cells from the tumor that might have invaded surrounding tissue. The pathologist's term is "getting clean margins."
Seriously, at the age of 16, I would probably opt to keep my pet comfortable for as long as possible, and not put her through another major surgery.
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