What To Do If Your Pet Has a Lump or Bump
If you discover a lump or bump on your pet, you should have it examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out cancer and determine appropriate treatment.
Initial Assessment
When you find a lump on your pet, take note of the following characteristics:
- Size (measure if possible)
- Location on the body
- Texture (soft, firm, movable, fixed)
- Any changes in the skin over the lump (redness, ulceration)
- How long it has been present
- Whether it has changed in size or appearance
- Whether it seems painful to your pet
Veterinary Evaluation
Diagnostic Process
Physical examination: The veterinarian will examine the lump and assess its characteristics.
Fine needle aspiration: Often the first diagnostic step, where a small needle is used to collect cells from the lump for microscopic examination 1.
Biopsy: If the fine needle aspiration is inconclusive or suggests cancer, a tissue biopsy may be recommended.
Advanced imaging: For concerning lumps, additional tests may include:
- Radiographs (X-rays)
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- In some cases, PET/CT scanning 2
Types of Common Lumps and Their Management
Benign Lumps
- Lipomas: Soft, fatty tumors that are usually harmless
- Sebaceous cysts: Blocked oil glands that may resolve on their own
- Warts: Viral growths that are typically harmless
- Histiocytomas: Usually self-resolving in young dogs
Concerning Lumps
- Mast cell tumors: Common skin tumors that vary in behavior
- Soft tissue sarcomas: Including injection-site sarcomas in cats
- Mammary tumors: More common in unspayed females
- Lymphoma: Can present as lumps in lymph nodes
Special Considerations for Cats
Cats are particularly prone to injection-site sarcomas (FISS), which can develop at sites of previous vaccinations or injections. These tumors:
- Are aggressive and have a metastasis rate of 10-28%
- Require aggressive surgical excision
- May benefit from additional radiotherapy and/or immunotherapy 1
For prevention of FISS:
- Avoid administration of irritating substances
- Use non-adjuvanted, modified-live or recombinant vaccines when possible
- Avoid injections in the interscapular region 1
Special Considerations for Dogs
In dogs, demodicosis (caused by Demodex mites) can sometimes present with nodular skin lesions. Diagnosis involves:
- Deep skin scrapings (gold standard)
- Trichograms or tape squeeze preparations in certain cases 3
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
Seek immediate veterinary attention if the lump:
- Appears suddenly and grows rapidly
- Is ulcerated or bleeding
- Seems painful to your pet
- Is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing
Follow-up Care
- Monitor existing lumps for changes in size, shape, or appearance
- Keep records of when lumps were discovered and any changes
- Follow your veterinarian's recommendations for rechecks
Emotional Support
A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging for pet owners. Many veterinary practices offer support for clients dealing with a pet's serious illness 4. Remember that early detection and treatment offer the best chance for successful outcomes.
Prevention
While not all lumps can be prevented, regular home examinations of your pet can help detect new growths early. Run your hands over your pet's body during regular petting sessions, feeling for any unusual bumps or swellings.