My dog has a hard lump in her mouth. Is it cancer or a tooth problem?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Rebecca, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 12th, 2017

  I would suggest a vet visit for Andie. He could have an abscess, enlarged lymph node, tumor, cyst or swollen salivary gland. But there is no way to know without an exam. After a physical exam the vet may aspirate the mass to see what is in the mass and that may be enough to diagnose it.
  
  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach
  
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 13th, 2017

  I am sorry to hear about Tobs! Luckily I do not think this is an emergency situation so I wouldn't worry about not being able to get him in to the vet tonight. This appears to be an oral mass or tumor. We can have tumors in the mouth that are benign (meaning they do not behave aggressively/don't spread elsewhere or cause issues) or malignant (aggressive cancers that can invade locally or spread elsewhere in the body). Unfortunately with most there is no way to tell just by looking at them. We will sometimes recommend an aspirate of the mass to try to collect cells for identification, or sometimes just remove the mass and send it off for pathology. You can read more about oral masses at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=130. It is possible the mass was much smaller and he hit or rubbed it causing some swelling/internal bleeding leading it to increase rapidly in size and perhaps this is why you didn't notice it earlier.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 28th, 2019

  I would contact them again to see if they have any urgent appointment for biopsy as this does indeed look quite concerning and could be significantly worse in a month. Growths in the mouth are at high risk for being tumours and although treatment options are limited, early diagnosis improves the chance for succesful treatment - referral to an oral surgeon may be worthwhile

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful