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Can I tell if my dog's armpit lump is a lipoma or enlarged lymph node?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Female | spayed | 6 years and 8 months old | 77 lbs

How to differentiate between a lipoma and a enlarged lymph node in the armpit area? Can they be differentiated by touch? Just found a lump in my dog’s right armpit where the axillary nodes are, it’s about the size of half an egg, and feels just like her other lipomas, bouncy, soft and moveable. But could this be an enlarged lymph node?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on July 30th, 2019

An enlarged lymph node will feel firmer than a lipoma. It won't be as "smooth" and uniform. It may have some texture (think 'chewed bubble gum'). Unfortunately, there is no definitive way to find out except by aspirating it or having a biopsy performed by your veterinarian.

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    Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 12th, 2019

    I can say that is unlikely to be an lymph node but unfortunately this have to be confirmed by a clinical examination at your local vets. Your vet will examine it and possibly perform with an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy. Differentials would include skin cyst, infections or benign or malignant type of tumors (lipomas included). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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