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My dog has a crusted, red lump on its back. Should I get it checked?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 3 years and 10 months old

There is a lump on my dogs back. Been there for awhile. Vet said just keep an eye on it. Has dark golden crust around some of it and some redNess. Should I get it checked for cancer?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 1st, 2016

I always think it's a good idea to have any lump diagnosed. It could be a cyst, a lipoma (benign fatty tumor), a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. I would have the vet run tests on it to diagnose it. Your vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, your 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.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 11th, 2017

    This lump could be from trauma, it could be a cyst, an abscess, or a benign tumor. 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 Ceasar seen by a vet in the morning to have the lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated.

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