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My senior Maltese has a lump on her ear. What should I do now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Maltese | Female | 10 years and 1 month old | 10 lbs

Tumor on her ear nine year old Maltese

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2 Answers

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 7th, 2017

This growth needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take Sissy to the vet, they will perform a fine needle aspiration on the growth and send it to the lab for analysis. when the result comes, the vet will advise what needs to be done according to the diagnosis.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on July 23rd, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. The fact that it has been growing rapidly, raises concern that this is malignant. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!

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