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How can I tell if my dog's lump is a tumor or just a benign growth?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | 3 years and 7 months old | 85 lbs

How do you know if a dog has a tumor ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 9th, 2017

Great question! Tumors can be benign (good) or malignant (bad). If it's on the skin a vet can stick a needle in it and look at the cells under a microscope to determine what it is. If it's inside the body, a vet may need to do an ultrasound or CT/MRI to determine. The best way to know if it's a tumor, good or bad, is to have it surgically removed and sent to a pathologist. The first place to start is a physical exam. I hope this answers your question! Kisses to Gracey!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Some tumors can be palpated or felt under the skin. Others, that are inside the body, like the abdomen or lungs can be seen with only an X-ray or ultrasound. If you are suspicious that your dog has a tumor I would recommend taking her in to the vet to be examined. Oftentimes your vet can detect these, test them with cytology (looking at the cells from the tumor under the microscope), and let you know if it is something you need to be concerned about. Best of luck.

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