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My 13-year-old Yorkie has an itchy lump on her back leg. Is it cancer?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 12 lbs

Hi! I have a question about my yorkie. We already took her to a vet but they didn’t know what she had. Shes about 13 years old and about a month ago developed a lump on her back leg. She acts normal and eats normal its just a weird lump that I’m nervous about. It does not bother her but maybe is a little itchy because sometimes she will lick at it. Is it likely cancer? I’m just super nervous. Thank you!

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 10th, 2019

At Gracie's age, there is always a chance any lump could be cancerous. I'd take her back into the vet for it. 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 its 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 if needed.

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