My dog has a bump on his head. Could it be a sebaceous cyst?

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. Chances are that this is a sebaceous cyst. Sebaceous cysts are usually harmless, sack-like growths with a lining that is not cancerous. In dogs, most cysts develop from hair follicles. These cysts typically appear as single, clearly defined, firm or soft lumps located in the skin or just beneath it. They are often between 0.5 to 5 centimetres in size and may sometimes have a bluish colour. A cyst can release a thick, gray-to-yellow-brown cheesy substance if it bursts. Other terms for sebaceous cysts in dogs include infundibular or follicular cysts. The lump needs to have a fine needle aspirate (FNA)/cytology to be sure of that diagnosis. Here is a link about the procedure and why it is done. It does not require anesthesia. ( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cytology-fine-needle-aspiration-fna ) If it is a sebaceous cyst, it will be very obvious once the vet introduces the needle into the lump. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hello. This could just be an odd looking cyst or wart, but it does not look overly aggressive or worrisome to me. Just point this out to your veterinarian at Chainz's next veterinary visit so it is documented in the record. At some point, removal may be recommended, but definitely not at this point in time. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Based on its appearance, this is most likely a benign sebaceous adenoma. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good one!

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This appears to be a skin mass/tumor and can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). My hunch tells me it is likely a sebaceous gland cyst (benign tumor); however, it is always best to get masses tested through your vet to be sure. Masses like this are often removed during another surgical procedure, such as a teeth cleaning. Removal should be considered in case this thing ruptures or causes irritation to Sydney in the near future. I hope things work out well for your pet Sydney. Take care.

This looks to be a benign skin mass or cyst. Repeated trauma from scratching is probably causing it to open up and bleed. These usually do not need to be removed unless they become infected or are irritating to the dog. If the mass changes then I would be concerned. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Many times these types of cysts will resolve on their own. You can use a medicated shampoo like Dechra DermaBenSs Shampoo that will help flush the follicle. However, if it gets big enough, it can sometimes get infected and need treatment from a vet. Try to avoid squeezing these cysts as you can cause some more damage. Here is a helpful article on sebaceous cysts, which I think is what you may be seeing: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/08/16/sebaceous-cysts.aspx

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This appears to be a fluid filled cyst from the looks of it. These can come and go at times. Typically there is no concern with these other than the fact that they are unsightly for some pet owners. This is something that could be removed under sedation if you would like it removed.