Dog and Cat Lumps, Bumps & Cysts: When Should You Be Concerned?

Finding a lump, bump, or cyst on your dog or cat can be concerning. While many masses are benign, others may be cancerous or require treatment. If you notice a new or changing lump, having it evaluated by a veterinarian is the best way to determine what it is and whether treatment is needed.

At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, our veterinary surgeons specialize in the evaluation and surgical removal of masses and tumors in dogs and cats. We provide experienced surgical care and affordable treatment options to help your pets get the care they need.

Common Types of Lumps on Dogs and Cats

Lumps can have many causes, including harmless growths, infections, inflammation, and cancer.

Benign Lumps

• Lipomas: Soft, movable fatty lumps that are typically harmless but may need removal if they become large or uncomfortable.
• Sebaceous cysts: Fluid- or material-filled lumps that can rupture or become infected.
• Cutaneous histiocytomas: Small, raised skin growths that are common in young dogs and usually benign.
• Fibromas: Firm, slow-growing growths that may require removal if they become irritated.
• Enlarged lymph nodes: Can occur due to infection, inflammation, or cancer and should be evaluated if unexplained.
• Abscesses: Painful, swollen areas caused by infection that may require drainage and antibiotics.

Malignant Tumors

Some masses may be malignant (cancerous) and require immediate treatment, including:

• Mast cell tumors
• Melanomas
• Fibrosarcomas
• Squamous cell carcinomas
• Lymphoma

Other Causes of Lumps:

• Enlarged lymph nodes: Can occur due to infection, inflammation, or cancer and should be evaluated if unexplained.
• Abscesses: Painful, swollen areas caused by infection that may require drainage and antibiotics.

A lump's appearance alone cannot determine whether it is cancerous, so having it evaluated by a veterinarian is very important. 

When Should a Lump Be Checked?

Have a new lump on your dog or cat evaluated, especially if it:

• Grows or changes quickly
• Changes in color, shape, or texture
• Feels firm or attached to underlying tissue
• Becomes painful, red, or irritated
• Bleeds, ulcerates, or produces discharge
• Appears suddenly
• Is accompanied by swollen lymph nodes or other health changes

Treatment for Dog and Cat Lumps

Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and diagnosis of the mass. Options may include:

• Monitoring
• Fine-needle aspiration or biopsy
• Surgical mass removal
• Treatment for infection or inflammation
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy

Early evaluation is especially important when a mass may be cancerous.

Monitor Your Pet’s Lump

If your veterinarian recommends monitoring a lump, keep track of:

• When you first noticed it
• Location and size
• Color, shape, and texture
• Whether it moves or feels attached
• Any bleeding or discharge
• Changes over time

Taking photos and periodically measuring the lump can help your veterinarian identify changes.

Affordable Mass Removal for Dogs and Cats

At Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit, we provide mass removal for dogs and cats, including treatment for benign and malignant tumors. Our goal is to provide safe, efficient surgical care while keeping treatment as accessible and affordable as possible.

If your pet has a new, growing, or changing lump, bump, or cyst, don’t wait to have it checked. Schedule an appointment at Dr. Kelly’s Surgical Unit to have your pet evaluated and discuss treatment options.