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My dog has a lump. Could it be a tumor? What are the next steps?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Female | spayed | 13 years old

I think my dog has turmour

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 23rd, 2017

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I agree with you, this could be a tumor based on its appearance. This could be a benign growth such as a sebaceous adenoma or a malignant growth such as a mast cell tumor, melanoma, among many other possibilities. I recommend you have Chelsea evaluated by your veterinarian for a test called fine needle aspirate which is an easy, quick and pain-free procedure which in the majority of cases will help reach a diagnosis to identify what the best course of action is based on the findings. In some cases, a biopsy is needed for a diagnosis. If it truly is benign then removal is not necessarily recommended. However, if it is malignant and it has not spread to other locations, then surgical removal is recommended. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed that it is something benign.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on September 30th, 2017

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign growth such as a sebaceous adenoma or a malignant growth such as a mast cell tumor. This is most of the time differentiated with a test called a fine needle aspirate which is easy, cheap and pain-free. Sometimes, a biopsy is required for a diagnosis. Have Jeannie evaluated by your veterinarian to have this test performed to try to sort out what the diagnosis is so that the best course of action can be determined. Keeping my fingers crossed that it is something benign!

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 3rd, 2018

    HI there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Judging from the picture, it appears that this is a skin tumor. It has the appearance of what we call a sebaceous adenoma, which is benign, but could be something more malignant. I would recommend having this looked at by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 7th, 2018

    If your veterinarian got a good aspirate she should be able to tell if it’s a mast cell tumor. It could be a different type of tumor or an encapsulated cyst. If it hasn’t changed much that’s a good thing since then it’s most likely benign. From the photo it looks like it should be easy to surgically remove and a biopsy will be able to tell what it is. Once there is a diagnosis then the appropriate treatment can be done. I’m glad you are having this removed just to be safe and to know for sure whether it’s a tumor or not. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Precious.

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