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My dog's elbow lump is growing, inflamed, and he keeps licking it. Is it cancer?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 9 years and 1 month old | 55 lbs

Hello my dog developed what I thought was a skin tag about 8 months ago on his elbow. It has got much larger and is inflamed because he continues to lick it. I'm so worried. Does this look malignant?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on September 23rd, 2020

Sam is at an age where a lump could be malignant, and I don't like the way this looks in your picture. I cannot diagnose malignancy from a picture, however. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of its cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. Once the cause of the lump is diagnosed, the vet can discuss treatment options if needed. Give his vet a call in the morning to make him an appointment. Best of luck.

5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on May 21st, 2017
Thank you for providing pictures of Sebatian's lump! It does look like it may be a wart, but it could also be another type of benign tumor. There is always a chance it could be a malignant tumor, and the chance of that occurring rises if he is a middle aged to older dog. Any suspicious lumps should be examined by the vet. The vet can perform a test called a fine needle aspirate on it. To do this, the vet sticks a small needle into the lump to get a sample of it's cells, and examines the cells on a slide under a microscope. It's usually painless to the animal, and relatively quick to perform. I would have him seen by a vet sometime next week to diagnose the cause of the lump so it can be treated as needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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