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What is this lump or wart on my dog's head? Should I be worried?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Male | neutered | 9 years and 8 months old

I have found this wart or small lump on my dogs head and I am very worried about it. What do you think it is? Or could be?

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on March 27th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Based on its appearance, this is most likely a benign sebaceous adenoma. 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. Good luck and have a good one!

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3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 4th, 2018

    These appear like little sebaceous adenomas, but could be a wart. I'd have to examine them in-person to be more certain. These are harmless and may regress without any treatment, but usually they require surgical removal. For more information about these types of masses, I recommend you read the information at the link below. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/skin-sebaceous-gland-tumors I hope that helps and all is well with your dog.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 2nd, 2017

    Thank you for including a picture the lump on Drew's head! It looks like it could be papilloma (a benign wart). It could also be another type of benign tumor or a malignant tumor if Drew is a middle aged to older dog. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would have Drew seen by a vet in the next few days to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated if needed.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 3rd, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. What you are seeing is likely a benign cyst or skin mass. If you would like to know for sure what this is, I would recommend having a veterinarian examine Orcan and perform some additional testing on the area. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! 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 Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on January 22nd, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have your pup evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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