Pictures of Dog Tumors, Cysts, or Warts: How to Diagnose a New Lump

You will find below a list of pictures of lumps and bumps that are often observed on older dogs as they get into their senior years. Please note that the pictures are provided as examples only. It usually is not possible to determine the real nature of a dog lump, wart, cyst or tumor by just looking at it.

Important: As veterinarians, we can never say what a dog lump is without testing it, for example by taking biopsies. For example, we have seen what looks like a lipoma actually come back as a malignant mast cell tumour. Always consult with our local veterinarian to confirm diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan for your old dog.

Lipomas: Fatty tumors. Non-cancerous. Painless. Soft and moveable.

Sebaceous Cysts:
Fluid-filled sac. Non-cancerous. Pink and hairless. Shiny and oily.

Mast Cell Tumors:
Cancerous or benign.
White or pink.  

Mammary Gland Tumors:
Cancerous or benign. Often next to or within the nipple. May extend between multiple mammary glands. Firm. May have ulcerated skin overlaying, or be abscessated/bleeding.  

Melanoma:
Cancerous or benign. Black. Raised or flat.  

Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
Cancerous. Raised and red. Usually a single tumour but can present as multiple masses. Often found in light-skinned areas or in the mouth. May become ulcerated or bleed.  

Soft Tissue Sarcoma:
Cancerous. Many different types, depending on the tissue affected (including fibrosarcoma, haemangiosarcoma, liposarcoma). Soft or firm. Often invasive into surrounding tissue.

Anal Gland Tumour (Adenocarcinoma):
Usually cancerous. Growth on or just next to the dog’s anus. Firm. Can be ulcerated/infected.

Warts:
Single or cluster of tiny lumps. Most often benign. Can disappear after a few months. Occasionally cancerous.

Overview graphic:

Important disclaimer:
Images are provided as examples only. It usually is not possible to determine the real nature of a bump, lump, wart, cyst or tumor by just looking at it. Always consult with our local veterinarian to confirm diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan. Your veterinarian is likely to perform testing which could include a biopsy.

Go to our page on Lumps, Bumps, Tumors, Cysts, and Warts for more information.

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