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My dog has a red growth on its nose. Is it a histiocytoma? Vet needed?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 9 years and 9 months old

Wondering about the red growth on my pup’s nose? It’s been growing over the past 3-4 weeks. I’ve read about histiocytomas. Is this one of them? Does it need to be removed?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 20th, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ma Wat. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She will need a procedure known as a fine needle aspirate to diagnose her mass. The veterinarian will use a small needle to collect a sample of cells to evaluate under the microscope. This will help to diagnose the mass. Histiocytomas typically appear as red, raised and hairless masses. However, I see them most frequently in young dogs. Unfortunately, a cancerous growth called a mast cell tumor has the same outward appearance. This is why it is important to look under the microscope. I hope this information helps!

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