My dog has a red, hairless lump on her neck. What could it be?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Published on May 27th, 2017

  The lump shown in the photo does look rather suspicious. Some malignant skin growths, such as mast cell tumors, have a very similar appearance to this - a raised, pink or red hairless lump on the skin. I would recommend taking Zoey to the vet to have this checked when you are able to - he/she can do a simple test called a fine needle aspirate to find out for sure what it is. Depending on the results, your vet can advise you on whether the lump needs to be surgically removed.

  

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  Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 10th, 2019

  Your vet is correct that the most likely diagnosis is a histiocytoma. However, another serious cancer called a Mast Cell Tumor can also look like this and can (although more rare) appear on young dogs. Aspirating the mass is easy, doesn't require sedation or stitches and will generally give you the correct diagnosis. I recommend to discuss this option with your vet to know if this is something to worry about. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

  

  3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 1st, 2017

  Hi, thanks for using Petcoach! How old is Max? If Max is young it is likely a benign histiocytoma, which are non-cancerous growths of young dogs. They tend to resolve in a few months and may ulcerate before they resolve. If Max is older I recommend having your Vet take a look to rule out cancerous causes, like a Mast Cell Tumor. The Vet can aspirate the lump and send it to the lab to have a pathologist will look at the cells. Histiocytomas can be diagnosed the same way. Then when the results are back you and your Vet can decide if it should be removed. I hope this helps and I wish you the best! https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/skin-cutaneous-histiocytoma

  

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 25th, 2018

  This lump on Max could be a cyst, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. It is concerning that it has been growing, and this is definitely something that needs to be seen by a 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. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options with you. I would call Max's vet first thing in the morning to get an appointment for him. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful