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What is this lump on my dog's head? Is it a wart or something serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Cocker Spaniel | Male | 55 lbs

Can you tell Me what is this on my dogs head

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on May 2nd, 2017

Thank you for including a picture the lump on Drew's head! It looks like it could be papilloma (a benign wart). It could also be another type of benign tumor or a malignant tumor if Drew is a middle aged to older dog. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would have Drew seen by a vet in the next few days to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated if needed.

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    Answered By Mara Howard, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 14th, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Boba has a growth on his head. I do recommend all growths be evaluated by a veterinarian. There are multiple types of skin tumors that are benign (such as warts, cysts, etc), but dogs can develop certain types of skin cancer that may need to be removed. I would recommend having the growth evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine if it is something of concern or not, and if anything further needs to be done to it. Good luck!

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 2nd, 2017

    I see that you very helpful posted a picture of Drew's bump in another post, and I did answer your question there. I said it could be a papilloma (a benign wart), another type of benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. I recommended having him seen by a vet to have this bump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. I would see your other post for my full answer :-)

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