Lumps & Bumps on Your Dog
If youve discovered a lump or discolored patch of skin on your furry friend youre bound to be worried about cancer. That said, its important for pet parents to remember that not all lumps and bumps are cancerous, and for those that are cancerous many are treatable if detected early.
If you have found something suspicious on your dog, contact your vet to book an examination for your dog. Successful treatment outcomes depend in large part upon the very earliest detection!
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The word “cancer” instills fear into the heart of every dog owner, but not all growths are cancerous. The most common growth found on dogs are lipomas, which are fat cells. Also commonly found on dogs are sebaceous cysts, which can become cancerous. If your veterinarian has diagnosed your dog with skin cancer, or if you are concerned that your dog might have a cancerous skin tumor or lump, it is understandable to feel worried and fearful.
Your veterinarian is your best resource to help you through any questions you may have about your dog’s health and skin issues. However, here is some information you need to know about skin cancer in dogs to help you understand your dog’s possible condition.
Dogs can get skin cancer, just like we can. In fact, skin tumors are the most commonly diagnosed type of tumor in dogs. This is partly because skin tumors are easier to see with the naked eye than other types of tumors, and partly because the skin is exposed to more of the environmental factors that can cause tumors, such as chemicals, viruses, and solar radiation, then your dog’s internal structures. Luckily, this also means that you and your veterinarian have a better chance of catching your dog’s cancer before it progresses past available treatment options.
What are the different types of skin cancer in dogs?
Dogs have multiple layers of skin and are at higher risk for numerous types of skin cancer. These are three of the most common types of skin cancer in dogs:
Sun exposure is often the culprit for this type of aggressive cancer, though squamous cell carcinomas do not spread to surrounding lymph nodes. They can damage or destroy tissue surrounding the tumor.
Usually found in the mucous membranes or mouth, and sometimes on parts of the body covered by hair, malignant melanomas tend to grow very fast. They often spread to other organs, including the lungs and liver.
These types of cancers develop within the mast cells of the immune system, and are the most common skin tumors in dogs. Though the cause for these is still debated, evidence indicates genetics are a factor, and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone may affect development.
⚕️SKIN CANCER IN DOGS: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
As dog owners, we all dread hearing the word “cancer” when it comes to a vet’s diagnosis. In this post, our Huntersville vets explain skin cancer in dogs, symptoms and potential treatment options.