Lumps & Bumps | Morningside Vet

LUMPS & BUMPS ON YOUR PET

What are lumps & bumps?

Lumps and bumps are commonly seen in older pets, but younger animals can develop them too. It’s essential to have any lump or bump on your pet checked by a veterinarian, as some may be harmless, while others could indicate more serious health issues. Ignoring lumps won’t make them go away, and although they’re common, they are not normal.

Regularly checking your pet’s body helps you identify any changes early. By familiarising yourself with what is normal for your pet, you can quickly notice new growths and get veterinary care when needed. Early detection can make a significant difference to treatment and outcomes.

How can I check for lumps on my pet?

Regularly checking your pet for lumps and bumps is an essential part of their health care routine. Gently run your hands over your pet’s entire body, paying close attention to areas like the neck, chest, abdomen, and legs. Look for any new or unusual growths, swellings, or changes in the texture of the skin. If you notice anything abnormal, even small lumps, it's important to consult your veterinarian promptly.

By performing these checks regularly, you'll become familiar with what’s normal for your pet and be able to spot any changes early, ensuring prompt veterinary attention when needed. Early detection is key to managing potential health issues effectively.

I found a lump on my pet, now what?

If you discover a lump on your pet, it’s important to have it evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. While many lumps are harmless, some can indicate more serious conditions, such as cancer. Your vet will likely perform a simple test, like a fine needle aspiration, to determine whether the lump is benign or requires further treatment.

Don’t wait to see if the lump will go away on its own. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes, so schedule a vet visit if you notice any new growths or changes in your pet's skin.

How can I tell if a lump on my pet is cancer?

It’s not possible to determine if a lump on your pet is cancerous just by appearance alone. Cancerous lumps can vary in size, shape, and texture. The only way to know for sure is to have your veterinarian examine the lump and perform diagnostic tests like a fine needle aspiration or biopsy. A fine needle aspiration involves using a thin needle to collect cells from the lump for examination under a microscope. In some cases, a biopsy may be needed, where a small tissue sample is surgically removed for a more detailed analysis. Both procedures help determine whether the lump is benign or malignant, allowing your vet to recommend the best course of action.

Benign vs Malignant: What's the difference?

Not all lumps are the same—some are benign (non-cancerous), while others can be malignant (cancerous).

Benign lumps are typically slow-growing, non-invasive, and do not spread to other parts of the body. These lumps are usually harmless and often just need monitoring or removal if necessary.

Malignant lumps tend to be fast-growing, invasive, and capable of spreading to surrounding tissues or other organs, potentially causing more serious health issues. These growths need to be removed before they spread.

Treatment options for lumps & bumps

The treatment for lumps and tumours depends on whether they are benign or malignant. Common treatments include surgical removal of the lump, which is often the first step, especially for larger or malignant growths. In some cases, additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended, particularly if the tumour is cancerous and has the potential to spread. Your veterinarian will guide you through the best treatment plan for your pet, based on the type, size, and location of the lump, as well as your pet’s overall health.

What kind of lumps are there?

There are various types of lumps that pets can develop, ranging from harmless growths to more serious conditions. Below are six of the most common types of lumps in pets—click on each button to learn more about what they are and how they may affect your pet's health.

Mast Cell Tumours (MCT) in Dogs and Cats

Mast Cell Tumours (MCTs) are one of the most common skin tumours in dogs and also occur in cats, though less frequently. These tumours arise from mast cells, which are involved in the body’s immune response. When these cells grow abnormally, they can release chemicals that cause harmful effects, including allergic reactions, stomach ulcers, and internal bleeding.

Appearance & Diagnosis
MCTs can vary significantly in appearance and are often called "the great pretender" because they can mimic benign lumps. For both dogs and cats, a fine needle aspiration or biopsy is essential for diagnosis, as visual inspection alone is not enough to determine the tumour type.

Common Breeds & Locations
In dogs, breeds like Staffordshire Terriers, Boxers, and Bulldogs are more susceptible, while Siamese cats are prone to a specific histiocytic MCT variant. MCTs in both species are most commonly found on the skin, but they can also affect internal organs, such as the liver and spleen, particularly in cats.

Treatment & Prognosis
Surgical removal is the standard treatment for MCTs in both dogs and cats. The tumour’s grade, determined through post-surgical analysis, influences the prognosis and whether additional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation is needed. Malignant tumours have a higher chance of spreading and may require more aggressive treatment, while benign tumours, particularly in cats, can sometimes regress without surgery.

Early detection and prompt treatment are key to managing MCTs in both dogs and cats, so it's important to have any new lumps checked by your veterinarian.

Sebaceous Gland Tumours in Dogs and Cats

Sebaceous gland tumours are common benign growths that develop from sebaceous glands, which help lubricate the skin and hair. These tumours frequently occur in middle-aged to older dogs, especially on the head, and are often mistaken for warts. While most sebaceous tumours are harmless, they can become inflamed, ulcerated, and prone to infection. Rarely, sebaceous gland carcinomas can develop, which are malignant but have a low risk of spreading.

Diagnosis & Treatment
These tumours are typically diagnosed through microscopic examination (histopathology) to confirm their benign nature and rule out other cancers. Surgical removal is the most common treatment, offering a permanent cure in most cases.

Prognosis
Sebaceous adenomas and hyperplasias are benign and usually do not recur after removal. In rare cases, sebaceous carcinomas may invade surrounding tissues but can be surgically cured. Multiple tumours may develop over time, especially in predisposed breeds like Cocker Spaniels.

Sebaceous Cysts in Dogs and Cats

Cysts are common, non-cancerous lumps that can form in dogs and cats. These fluid-filled or solid lumps develop due to a variety of causes, such as blocked hair follicles, trauma, or genetic factors. Types of cysts include follicular cysts, dermoid cysts, and sweat gland cysts. While most cysts are harmless, they can become infected, inflamed, or uncomfortable for your pet, often discharging unpleasant material.

Diagnosis & Treatment
Cysts are typically diagnosed through microscopic examination of tissue, and treatment often involves surgical removal. In some cases, laser therapy or topical treatments may be used, especially for small or multiple cysts. After removal, cysts usually do not recur unless they are caused by genetic predisposition or ongoing trauma.

Prognosis
Most cysts can be successfully treated and cured with surgery, but prevention of infection and monitoring for regrowth are essential. Regular checkups and early intervention help ensure your pet remains comfortable and healthy.

Canine Cutaneous Histiocytoma

Canine cutaneous histiocytomas are common benign skin tumours that typically affect young dogs, especially breeds like Boxers and Bull Terriers. These tumours originate from Langerhans cells, part of the immune system that helps protect the skin. While they often grow rapidly and can become ulcerated or infected, they usually regress on their own over time. In some cases, surgical removal is recommended to prevent secondary infections, ulceration, or discomfort.

Diagnosis & Treatment
Histiocytomas are typically diagnosed through microscopic examination of tissue samples. While some tumours disappear without treatment, surgical removal is often advised to confirm the diagnosis and prevent complications like infection or bleeding.

Prognosis
These tumours have an excellent prognosis, with 99% being cured through surgery. Spontaneous regression is common, but early intervention can prevent potential secondary infections or other issues.

Mammary Tumours (Breast Cancer) in Dogs and Cats

Mammary tumours, also known as breast cancer, are a common type of cancer in dogs and cats, especially in aging females, but can also occur in males, albeit less commonly. These tumours originate in the mammary glands and can be either benign (non-spreading) or malignant (invasive and capable of spreading). Early detection and surgical removal are crucial for improving outcomes, as malignant tumours can metastasize to other parts of the body, such as the lungs.

Causes & Risk Factors
The development of mammary tumours is often influenced by hormones. Spaying your pet at an early age significantly reduces the risk of these tumours. Older, unspayed animals are more prone to developing mammary cancer. Some breeds, like Siamese cats and German Shepherd dogs, are genetically predisposed to this type of cancer.

Signs & Symptoms
In both dogs and cats, mammary tumours often present as lumps in the mammary glands, which may be firm, ulcerated, or produce discharge. In more advanced cases, the tumour can spread, causing symptoms like weight loss, breathing difficulties, or signs of illness due to the tumour’s impact on surrounding tissues.

Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through histopathology, where a sample of the tumour is examined under a microscope to determine if it’s benign or malignant. Surgery is the most common treatment option, often involving the removal of the tumour, mammary gland, and nearby lymph nodes. Chemotherapy may be considered for aggressive or metastatic cancers, though its effectiveness in pets can vary.

Prognosis
Early detection and removal of smaller tumours lead to a better prognosis. In cats, tumours under 2 cm have a higher survival rate post-surgery. In dogs, about 70% of malignant mammary tumours can be cured with surgery. However, larger or more aggressive tumours tend to have a shorter survival time.

Adipose Tumours (Lipomas) in Pets

Adipose tumours, commonly referred to as lipomas, are benign, slow-growing lumps made of fat tissue, frequently found in middle-aged and older dogs. Although these tumours are usually harmless and easily treated with surgical removal, they can grow large and cause discomfort or interfere with nearby structures. In rare cases, a more aggressive form, liposarcoma, may develop and potentially recur after surgery.

Appearence & Diagnosis
Lipomas typically appear as soft, painless lumps under the skin. While they rarely cause discomfort, large lipomas may necrose (die), leading to more serious health concerns. Diagnosis usually involves a fine needle aspiration or biopsy, followed by microscopic examination to confirm the tumour type and rule out more serious cancers.

Common Breeds & Risk Factors
Lipomas are more common in overweight dogs and certain breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, with a higher risk in female dogs. Though rare in cats, obese cats are also susceptible.

Treatment & Prognosis
Surgical removal is the standard treatment, with most lipomas cured after excision. However, infiltrative tumours may recur and require further intervention. Malignant liposarcomas are rare and tend to remain localized, with a low risk of spreading to other areas of the body.

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