My dog has a lump she chewed. Can cancer spread? Should I remove it?

Question

My 12 1/2?yr old Kerry Blue terrier has a history of growths, most of which have been benign. She has one on her front upper leg that is around but pinkish InColor sort of looking like a cauliflower about one third of an inch diameter. It has grown very slowly but recently she chewed on it If she ingested cancer cells could it spread inside her body? If I let nature take it's course what is likely if it is cancer. Would removing it add much to her life time and or quality? Risks?Thanks. Pet's info: Dog | Kerry Blue Terrier | Female | spayed

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

Non-ractive warts and other growths which do not cause the dog to chew on them are usually not of concern provided they do not grow, or grow very slowly and are not oozing a discharge, bleeding or causing infection. That said, every growth should be examined by a veterinarian, as it could indeed be malignant. Previously benign masses can also turn into malignant masses. As for cancer cells spreading in the body from being ingested: that would depend on the cancer. If the mass is cancerous and just in the skin, it is likely that removing it with a good margin (healthy tissue surrounding it) may be curative. Your veterinarian will have to examine the mass and palpate it and may want to remove it right away, or do a fine needle aspirate to determine whether it is indeed a cancer. Since it is bothering your dog and Nisha is chewing it , there is a chance that it could get infected, another reason to have it examined ASAP.

My dog has a lump she chewed. Can cancer spread? Should I remove it?

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