Dogs may develop many different types of tumors on the skin. While this is always a cause for concern, tumors are not always cancerous in dogs. Benign tumors are common in dogs, but it may be difficult for the average pet owner to distinguish a benign tumor from a malignant one. If your dog has any tumors anywhere on his skin, be sure to consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
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Identification
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A tumor is any lump or growth on the skin. This may include an abscess, a wart or a hematoma on the dog's body. A benign tumor is non-cancerous and a malignant tumor is cancerous. Malignant tumors will grow larger over the course of time, as opposed to a benign tumor that may simply swell.
Types
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A cyst is a benign tumor that may erupt on the dog's skin. Cysts are very common in dogs, and can appear anywhere on the dog's body. A sebaceous cyst is filled with a thick cheesy liquid called keratin. Sebaceous cysts are benign, but they should be drained by a veterinarian to avoid an infection. Papillomas may look like a skin tag and are common in dogs. Papillomas may require removal if they become irritated or begin to bleed.Some tumors are more common in male dogs than in female dogs. Male dogs may develop perianal gland tumors that develop in the anal area. These are benign tumors but may be painful for the dog and carry the risk of infection.
Cancer Symptoms
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Malignant tumors may look similar to benign tumors to the untrained eye. If your dog has a tumor and has any of the following symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately. Symptoms of cancer in dogs may include abnormal skin growths that continue to grow, sores that do not heal, difficulty eating, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating and difficulty defecating. If your dog has a loss of appetite, weight loss, a lack of energy, persistent stiffness, tumors in the breast area, lumps in the lymph nodes or a visible difference in the size of the testicles consult your veterinarian for an examination of the tumor.
Diagnosis
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In order to determine whether a skin tumor is benign or malignant, a veterinarian may take a sample of cells to examine them under a microscope. If abnormal cells are present, a biopsy of the tumor may be done. If the cells appear normal, the tumor is determined to be benign.
Treatment
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If your dog's skin tumor is found to be benign, the veterinarian will recommend the treatment plan based on the type of tumor your dog has. Some tumors may be fine left alone, and others may need to be removed surgically.
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