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My dog has a lump she chewed. Can cancer spread? Should I remove it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Kerry Blue Terrier | Female | spayed

My 12 1/2?yr old Kerry Blue terrier has a history of growths, most of which have been benign. She has one on her front upper leg that is around but pinkish InColor sort of looking like a cauliflower about one third of an inch diameter. It has grown very slowly but recently she chewed on it If she ingested cancer cells could it spread inside her body? If I let nature take it's course what is likely if it is cancer. Would removing it add much to her life time and or quality? Risks?Thanks

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 31st, 2016

Non-ractive warts and other growths which do not cause the dog to chew on them are usually not of concern provided they do not grow, or grow very slowly and are not oozing a discharge, bleeding or causing infection. That said, every growth should be examined by a veterinarian, as it could indeed be malignant. Previously benign masses can also turn into malignant masses. As for cancer cells spreading in the body from being ingested: that would depend on the cancer. If the mass is cancerous and just in the skin, it is likely that removing it with a good margin (healthy tissue surrounding it) may be curative. Your veterinarian will have to examine the mass and palpate it and may want to remove it right away, or do a fine needle aspirate to determine whether it is indeed a cancer. Since it is bothering your dog and Nisha is chewing it , there is a chance that it could get infected, another reason to have it examined ASAP.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 11th, 2018

    This skin mass could be a harmless/benign tumor like a wart or a cyst but skin tumors like melanomas can also develop. The only way to tell for sure what it is to take a sample of cells through an aspirate or biopsy and look at it under a microscope. However if it isn't changing size, shape, color, etc it is less likely to be a harmful mass.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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