My dog has a growing, painless lump on her chest. Should I worry?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. 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 her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

In a young dog like Bow, this lump could be a cyst, a lipoma, or a benign tumor. I wouldn't be worried about it, but I would have her seen by a vet for it. 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 Bow seen by a vet tomorrow to have this lump examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Typically, if a mass is not changing in size, and is soft and freely movable, most of these masses are benign and nothing to worry about. The only way to know for sure is for your veterinarian to sample some cells from the mass, either via a fine-needle aspirate, or with a larger biopsy and evaluate the cells under a microscope. Since it is small, soft, freely movable, and unchanged over the course of a year, your vet likely believes this mass is benign and feels comfortable having you monitor it at home. I hope this is helpful - best of luck with Oscar!

Unfortunately, it is near impossible to determinewhat the mass is without a physical exam and diagnostics. Ideally, Comet should be examined by a veterinarian. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. This may identify what type of mass is on her chest. Treatment options can be discussed with the veterinarian once results are returned. Until then, monitor the lump for rapid change or growth, pain associated with it or restriction of movement. If any of these symptoms develop, Comet will need to be seen by a veterinarian.

This could simply be a benign tumor, but it a dog Tucker's age, there is a chance it could be malignant. 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 to make him an appointment. Best of luck.

It could be a benign mass or tumor like a lipoma, or it could be something more serious. If the lump is new, if it seems painful, or if it is very firm and fixed in place you should encourage your friend to get it checked out by a veterinarian soon.

Since it has changed size in such a short time, I recommend getting it checked by your vet. She's very young to be developing growths or tumors but it isn't unheard of at her age. Your vet will do an exam, some lab work, probably using a needle to sample some cells from inside the lump to try to identify the kinds of cells inside and therefore what is causing the lump. Based on these results, your vet will be better able to tell you what is going on and how best to proceed from there, if it is benign or needs further investigation.