VETS COLUMN: Get lumps checked

One of the most frequent problems that I am asked to look at during my consultations are masses on or just below the skin.

I will discuss just some of the more common ones in this article.
Many of these masses are benign or inflammatory masses, some are ‘’locally” malignant tumours and a few are highly malignant tumours.
Warts are often seen in older dogs.
They are small, hard, often nobbly usually pink masses that grow very slowly.
Sebaceous cysts can be seen in any age of dog and are more common in some breeds than others.
German shepherds are especially prone.
These are masses just below the skin, roundish with clear edges.
They feel hard but give slightly when squeezed.
These cysts contain a pasty substance and can go up and down in size but rarely get larger than about 2cms.
Sometimes they burst but usually return later.
Lipomas are fatty, soft masses that often are found just under the skin but can also be found in other places.
They usually have clear edges and feel soft.
They are generally slow to grow but can reach a large size over time.
All these three masses do not need removing unless causing a problem.
There is a interesting skin tumour called a histiocytoma that occurs primarily in young dogs (generally under five).
It appears quite suddenly and grows to a button type shape rarely getting much larger than 1.5cms.
After a few weeks it gets inflamed and can start oozing.
It will usually disappear on its own after a few more weeks!
These masses are best checked with your vet.
Another fairly common mass that is most frequently found in older dogs is a mast cell tumour.
This is more common in Boxers than other breeds. This is a mass attached to the skin.
They can sometimes look inflamed which will change from day to day.
They will grow but their size can sometimes fluctuate from day to day as well.
They can stay the same size for a long time and then suddenly grow.
These are one of the masses that are a cause of concern.
They range from benign to locally invasive to extremely malignant with spread to other areas of the body.
It is important that these growths are removed as soon as possible and are examined to discover their degree of malignancy.
We sometimes refer these cases for radiotherapy.
Any masses on or close to the mammary glands need close attention.
Many masses in this region are benign but there are a significant number with varying degrees of malignancy.
There is a wide variation in shapes and textures and anything growing needs attention.
These are just a few of the types of masses we see. Some are alright to leave and monitor.
Others need to be removed.
The majority of skin masses can be cured following timely removal and thankfully only a small number pose a risk to the dog’s life.