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My dog has a lump on her chest under the skin. What could it be?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
So my English bulldog has a lump to the left of her chest that is under her skin. The lump is a little bit bigger than a quarter and a centimeter in length. I'm thinking it is a benign tumer but I'm not sure. I know I should take her to the vet but I want to make sure it's a big thing. Can you please tell me what your thoughts are of what it could be?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on December 24th, 2017
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 8th, 2018
This is a tumor/growth. If it has changed rapidly in size, it may be starting to have a pocket of fluid inside. I cannot tell you if this growth is benign or malignant by looking at it. Your veterinarian can perform a needle aspirate to obtain a sample of cells to look at which may help you to determine the likelihood of a malignancy. Whether this is benign or malignant, it may be something you would want to have surgically removed. Even benign growths that continue to grow can be problematic...they can become infected or bleed. Have your vet take a look at Hina and get a sample from the growth and discuss surgery. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 10th, 2018
I am sorry to hear about Monty! It is difficult to evaluate from a photo but this looks like it could be a sore/area of infected skin that is also inflammed and has become granulomatous. I would recommend having your vet examine the area. They may recommend testing such as a fungal culture to ensure it isn't something like ringworm (a fungus not a worm) and may prescribe an antibiotic or other treatment based on their findings.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on August 4th, 2017
The photo isn't very clear, and it can be hard to diagnose something without atually seeing and feeling it. Possibilities include bacterial infection, ringworm, itching from fleas, mites, cancer, among other things. If it is continuing to get bigger, I recommend that Princess see a vet to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. Your vet may want to test for bacteria or fungus, do a skin scrape to check for mites, or a cytology to look at a small sample of cells under the microscope.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful