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My young German Shepherd has a lump on his lip. Is it malignant?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 75 lbs

My 1 year old German Sheperd, named Artù, has a lump on his lower lip, I’ve attached a photo, I went to the vet to see what it could be, hoping it’s nothing malignant. He took a sample of the lump in order to make a cytologic exam. And in the meantime he gave him an ointment to put on the lump twice a day. I am waiting for the results, but what could it be? Can it be malignant? He is so young and full of energy and the lump does not give him any pain. Thank you

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on May 26th, 2018

With Artu being young and the location of this mass being on or around the face, statistically speaking this is most likely a benign lesion. The first one that comes to mind is known as a histiocytoma, something that is not a concern and will often resolve spontaneously even if left to its own devices. Getting the cytology sent out to the lab is definitely the way to go in order to be sure it isn't anything more harmful that requires immediate attention. Though you indicated the area is non-painful and he does not seem negatively effective systemically, this is not necessarily an indication of Artu's overall health relating to this lesion. There are certainly other types of lesions that can occur in young animals that are concerning, some of which come to mind include mast cell tumors and/or melanomas. However, these would be less likely. Hope this makes sense.

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