A Guide to the Different Types of Growths, Tumours, and Cysts Dogs Get

In this guide

Building on the general lumps overview earlier in this series, this piece goes a level deeper into the specific categories of growths dogs commonly develop, since knowing the category helps set realistic expectations before your vet even runs a test.

Cysts

• Sebaceous cysts: blocked oil glands, often on the back or head, may rupture and release a thick, cheesy discharge
• Follicular cysts: form around a hair follicle, similar in feel to sebaceous cysts
• Dermoid cysts: present from birth, more of a developmental quirk than a disease, often along the midline of the back

Benign growths

• Lipomas: soft fatty lumps, extremely common in middle aged and older dogs
• Histiocytomas: small, fast growing, button like lumps common in young dogs, which often shrink and disappear on their own within weeks
• Papillomas (warts): rough, often viral, more common in young or immune compromised dogs
• Sebaceous adenomas: small, wart like benign growths of the oil glands, common in older dogs

Malignant tumours to be aware of

• Mast cell tumours: the most common skin cancer in dogs, highly variable in appearance
• Soft tissue sarcomas, including fibrosarcoma: firmer, often deeper growths that can grow into surrounding tissue
• Squamous cell carcinoma: can appear on the skin, particularly in sun exposed, thin coated areas, or in the mouth
• Melanoma: can be pigmented or non pigmented, particularly significant when found in the mouth or on nail beds, where it tends to behave more aggressively

The point of knowing the categories

None of this is meant for self diagnosis. Two lumps that feel identical to the touch can belong to entirely different categories, one harmless and one requiring urgent treatment. What this knowledge is useful for is understanding your vet's plan: why they want a fine needle aspiration rather than 'just watching it', and why a biopsy or removal might be recommended even for a lump that seems to be causing no trouble.

Common Questions

Q: Can a dog develop more than one type of growth at once? A: Yes, especially older dogs, and each new lump needs its own individual assessment rather than assuming it matches an existing one.

Q: Are certain breeds more prone to growths overall? A: Yes, Boxers and Labradors in particular have notably higher lifetime rates of various skin tumours compared to other breeds.

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