My dog has a growing gum bump. What should I do? Is it cancer?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think you are talking about something called gingival hyperplasia. If it looks very similar to the one that was removed and tested, it’s probably the same thing. (Though we can never guarantee as some kids of cancer can look similar.) Usually there is nothing to do treatment or prevention-wise except remove them at routine dental cleaning. And I do recommend routine dental cleaning as tartar can build up dramatically under that gum tissue. Best of luck to you and Lilly!

This looks like it might be a small area of gingival hyperplasia or a small epulis, which is a growth of the gum tissue. It might also be a wound or draining tract from a tooth abscess - it's a little difficult to tell whether this lesion is raised or flat in your picture. I think you could probably monitor it if Baxter is acting like his normal self - if it has not resolved in three weeks or if it seems to be getting larger I'd recommend having a vet take a look.

Thanks for attaching a picture. If it feels like normal gum tissue (soft, moveable) it is possibly due to contact from the k9 tooth above it (overgrowth of tissue from irritation). Do you see the same thing on the other side? If it is more firm, painful, red, or grew rapidly that would be more concerning and then it should be evaluated by your family vet. If you elect to monitor certainly have your vet take a look at his next annual visit. If the lesion changes (growth, etc.) certainly have your vet take a look at it sooner. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

This called epulid and it is usually a benign form of tumor that would require removal in case it get chewed or infected. To confirm it 100% a biopsy or (complete removal) can be performed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Coco and for providing a picture of her lump, that is very helpful. I'm not sure when you last discussed having it removed with her vet, but given that it has grown more and is bleeding, I think you should discuss removing it again. Due to her age, there is a chance this lump could be cancer, but it needs to biopsied first before any determination could be made as to whether or not it's cancer. I'd schedule an appointment with her vet. I hope this helps.

Hello, thank you for suing PetCoach. Most likely this is benign histiocytoma. I have linked an article for you below about this issue. Basically it is a common benign tumor that is typically seen in young dogs and on the extremities. It regresses on its own within a few months. No treatment is needed however, is some cases, giving Benadryl has seemed to make it go away sooner. For a 48 pound dog I would give two of the 25mg Benadryl (diphenhydramine) capsules twice a day until you notice it reducing in size. Yes, dogs take a much higher dose of Benadryl than we do. I would not be overly concerned about this but we sure don't want her licking it so if her licking gets excessive, you will need to put a cone collar on her to stop that. ( https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952066 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

That does look concerning. Unfortunately there is no way to tell from the appearance alone as to whether or not it cancerous. You are correct in that it may be a benign growth, it may cancer, or it may some sort of inflammatory mass from an infection of the gums either due to a dental problem or due to an embedded bit of small stick or something along those lines. Gingival hyperplasia (overactive growth of the gum tissue) is possible, however it usually appears less "mass-like." If she is still eating, active and happy, make an appointment with your vet at your convenience in the coming weeks to have it checked out. If she is not eating or otherwise seems ill, or if you are noticing that her breath is really bad, get her in as soon as you can. Your vet may recommend that a biopsy be considered. A biopsy is the only way to determine what exactly it is, how dangerous it is, and what needs to be done about it. I hope thats helpful for you! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!