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My dog has a growing bump on his foot. Could it be skin cancer?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Akita | Male | neutered | 120 lbs

I was wondering if my dog has skin cancer. He has this bump on his foot that appeared about 2-3 weeks ago and it got bigger. The moisture is because I put some medication on, but it's usually dry.

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on October 7th, 2018

This growth needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take Google 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 Dr. Kristin DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 6th, 2018

    Thanks for your question. I recommend taking Barrett to the vet to have this looked at. It isn't an emergency, but it is tough to tell from the photo if this is a little abscess that needs to get opened up and drained, or if this is something like a histiocytoma. Histiocytomas are skin lesions that can pop up in young dogs. Histiocytomas are usually not a big concern, and most often go away in 2-3 months. Your vet and perform a fine needle aspirate and collect cells from the bump with a needle to examine under a microscope. This will tell them what type of bump it is, and if removal is necessary. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on April 22nd, 2018

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. 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 him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Regardless, given the size of it, removal is likely needed to improve his comfort. Good luck and have a good day!

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