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My dog has a soft lump near her nipple. Is it a mammary tumor?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | unspayed | 7 lbs

Paisley has a lump on her right side next to her nipple. It’s very soft and doesn’t seem to cause her any pain. Is this something to be concerned about? Is it possibly a tumor?

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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 26th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is in fact likely a tumor or growth. This could be a benign or malignant growth. 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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Other Answers

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    Answered By Maria DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I highly recommend taking Paisley to a veterinarian to have this evaluated. My concern is it is a mammary tumor that should be removed. To remove this it is recommended to get chest x-rays to make sure there is no metastasis and blood work prior. I would also recommend spaying her while she is under anesthesia. If this is a mammary tumor there is a 50% chance this is cancerous so we do recommend a biopsy. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Anna M., DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 3rd, 2017

    Based on the location being closely associated with her nipple, I'm concerned about the possibility that this is a mammary mass. Mammary masses are a type of tumor common to unspayed females. I recommend having this looked at by a vet, who would be able to determine in their exam if this is indeed a likely mammary mass, and they will also be able to feel for any other smaller masses that may be growing near any of Poohey's other nipples. If this is a mammary tumor, your vet will be able to discuss the details of surgical removal. Hope this helps!

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 7th, 2018

    I am sorry to hear about your concern for Queenie! I would recommend bringing Queenie in to her vet to examine this lump. We do worry in unspayed female dogs unfortunately about breast cancer, so we want to check any new masses that are in the area of the belly/mammary glands. We can also have benign growths such as fatty tumors and cysts, but it is best to be proactive and ensure this isn't something that needs surgical removal. Your vet can do what is called a needle aspirate and stick a small needle into the lump to collect cells which can be examined under the microscope to help identify the type of mass we are dealingn with.

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