What are lumps on dogs?
Lumps in dogs refer to various types of growths, tumors, masses, or cysts. While these can occur anywhere on the body, the most easily seen are on, in, or under the skin.
Normally, the cells that make up the body’s tissues, organs, and systems will copy themselves to replace older or damaged cells, and older or damaged cells will undergo a process of cell death. Sometimes this process of cell reproduction, growth, and death can become abnormal. If cells keep reproducing and/or older cells don’t die, a lump will form.
Because any tissue can develop a lump, there are many types. The ones that pet owners can most easily see or feel can be divided into four broad categories:
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Lumps from the skin, lining or surface of organs, or glands: Examples include papillomas and adenomas, which are benign, and carcinomas, which are malignant.
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Lumps of deeper tissues, such as fat, muscle, bone, blood vessels, and nerves: Examples include lipomas and hemangiomas, which are benign, and sarcomas, which are malignant.
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Lumps of types of cells found in the blood and lymph nodes: Examples include histiocytomas, which are benign, and lymphomas and mast cell tumors, which are malignant.
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gonadal lumpslike the testicles in male dogs.
Of the skin lumps, the most common in dogs are lipomas, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, mast cell tumors, histiocytomas, and papillomas.
What is the difference between malignant and benign lumps?
A benign lump is a type of tumor that can grow in the area where it develops, but does not spread to any other part of the body. A malignant lump has the ability to spread to other areas of the body; This process is called methastasis. As noted, the common benign growths are lipomas and papillomas, and the common malignant growths are mast cells.
4 Ways Vets Diagnose Lumps on Dogs
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Fine needle aspiration (FNAF): This is the most common method of collecting a cell sample. A needle attached to a syringe is inserted into the lump. The doctor will then draw a sample into the needle with the syringe. and move the needle to make sure you get a good sample of cells. The contents are placed on a microscope slide for close observation. FNA can be done quickly, usually without sedation or anesthesia, because the size of the needle is the same as that used to administer vaccines or draw blood.
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biopsies: There are different types of biopsies, and which one is chosen will depend on factors such as the size and location of the tumor, the likely type of tumor, and the general health of the pet. A biopsy can range from removing a small part of the lump to the entire lump. The removed tissues are usually sent to a lab for testing, but your vet can create a fingerprint or cell scraping from that biopsy to look at the cells before preserving the larger sample.
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fluid cytology: This will most often be used for lumps that are filled with fluid. The fluid is tested to see if there are cells suspended in the fluid that could indicate the type of lump.
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Blood test: For some lumps, blood tests may show changes that suggest a possible tumor, but a complete and definitive diagnosis ultimately requires a biopsy.
What to do if you find a lump on your dog
Pet parents will usually see or feel a lump, growth, or swelling on or under the skin while petting, grooming, or bathing their dog. If you notice a lump or bump, pay attention to when you noticed it, if it changes in size and how quickly, if it seems painful or bothersome, and where it is on the body.
Unfortunately, while many lumps and bumps are not a cause for concern, there is no easy way to tell if a lump is a concern just by looking or feeling it. The safest course of action is to have the lump evaluated by your vet, who will likely suggest starting with a fine needle aspiration.
If a lump is malignant, waiting for a formal diagnosis and treatment will increase the chance that it will spread to other areas of the body. Even benign bumps can become a problem if too much time goes by, because those bumps can get bigger and cause other problems because of their size. A small lump is usually a minor surgery to remove it completely, while a larger lump can become a major surgery with more possible complications.
Featured Image: iStock.com/zoranm
