Hard Tumors in Dogs

The term "tumor" means abnormal growth. Hard tumors in dogs do not automatically mean cancer. Many things cause tumors in dogs, from mites to disease. Catch them early by visiting your veterinarian. The best defense is an early biopsy and exam.

  1. Aprocrine Sweat Gland Cyst

    • A bluish lump on the head, neck or limbs that is round, smooth and hairless is commonly an aprocrine cyst.. A benign biopsy results in lancing and draining. Surgical removal is an option.

    Basal Cell Tumors

    • Basal cell tumors are usually cancerous and slow-growing, and rarely spread. These are usually found on the head, neck and chest and require early detection and surgical removal.

    Cutaneous Horn

    • This is a hard tissue growth that resembles a small horn about 1/2 to 2 inches in length. This type of tumor requires surgical removal.

    Cuterebra

    • A tumor forms around the 1- to 1 1/2-inch cuterebra fly larva that has burrowed into the dog's skin. The tumor must be surgically opened and larva removed intact. Breaking the larva can cause severe allergic reactions.

    Epidermal Cysts

    • These cysts are up to 2 inches in width and feel hard because of the thick sebaceous material inside the cyst. Lancing and draining by a veterinarian is required.

    Fibroma

    • A fibroma tumor is uncommon and always benign. It is usually found on the legs, groin or sides. This tumor rarely ulcerates, and surgical removal is optional.

    Fibrosarcoma

    • Fibrosarcoma, a rapidly growing and invasive tumor, is usually found at the site of an injection. This irregularly shaped tumor becomes large and may ulcerate. Surgical removal is highly recommended as early as possible because this tumor is invasive. A fibrosarcoma tumor will quickly invade surrounding tissue, muscle and bone. Amputation is common if the fibrosarcoma is on a leg.

    Histocytoma

    • Usually found on young dogs, this tumor resembles a strawberry. Needle aspiration is required.

    Histocytosis

    • There are three types of histiocytosis that cause hair loss and hard, fluid-filled ulcers on the skin. If this type of tumor is malignant, euthanasia is the main option because there are no effective treatments.

    Lipoma

    • A lipoma is an uncommon fatty tumor that is usually benign. It can become very large and interfere with movement. Surgical removal is required.

    Lymphoma

    • Lymphoma is a common skin cancer in dogs. Surgical removal of the tumor followed by chemotherapy and radiation is recommended, although the skin form of this tumor does not respond well to treatment.

    Melanoma

    • Melanoma is a malignant tumor in older dogs. It is generally dark in color and will ulcerate. Surgical removal of the tumor and a large area around the tumor is recommended.