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What's this rough lump on my 10-year-old dog? Is it a skin tag?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

(now added photos) I’m unsure what this lump is on my dog, he is 10 years old. He has had it for a while it may have grown a little but maybe not I can’t he sure. It’s about half an inch big. The skin on it is rough. He seems fine otherwise. Think it may just be a skin tag?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 17th, 2020

Yes, this may just be a benign growth like a skin tag, but I cannot make a definitive diagnosis without seeing him in person. 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. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 17th, 2020

    It is a good size and if it has grown, it certainly is a tumor, but the kind of tumor (cancerous or non-cancerous) isn't identifiable via a picture unfortunately. I would say this warrants having this mass tested by your vet to help us know if this is a tumor to be worried about or just monitored for. I do hope that this is a favorable tumor/mass and nothing to be worried about moving forward. Best of luck and take care.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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