My dog's elbow lump is growing, inflamed, and he keeps licking it. Is it cancer?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 9 years and 1 month old | 55 lbs
Hello my dog developed what I thought was a skin tag about 8 months ago on his elbow. It has got much larger and is inflamed because he continues to lick it. I'm so worried. Does this look malignant?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 23rd, 2020
Sam is at an age where a lump could be malignant, and I don't like the way this looks in your picture. I cannot diagnose malignancy from a picture, however. 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 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. Give his vet a call in the morning to make him an appointment. Best of luck.
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on May 21st, 2017
Thank you for providing pictures of Sebatian's lump! It does look like it may be a wart, but it could also be another type of benign tumor. There is always a chance it could be a malignant tumor, and the chance of that occurring rises if he 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 him seen by a vet sometime next week to diagnose the cause of the lump so it can be treated as needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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