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My dog has a lump. Is it a wart or could it be skin cancer?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hi There, I noticed this lump on my maltese shitzu tonight. Does this look like skin cancer?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on November 5th, 2018

Luckily no, this is a wart which is a benign skin growth. Many dogs get warts as they age and they are nothing to be overly concerned about unless they get very large or are in a location to be cut when dogs are getting groomed. If they enlarge then we recommend surgical removal. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Veterinarian
Published on May 20th, 2017
If your vet already examined this and determined it to be benign, then it is unlikely to be cancerous at this point, but that doesn't mean that it does not need to get surgically removed, especially if it is bothering him. One option is to have it removed and then sent to a pathologist for histopath so you can determine exactly what it is for sure.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniela Jessen, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 14th, 2019
According to the pic, It looks like a possible skin tag (fibropapilloma) which harmless, some skin tags can grow a few centimeters but that's need to be confirmed by a vet on examination . that's especially important with any mass that is growing in size, appearance, or color. In addition if it is confirmed as a growing skin tag your vet may consider removal. The bottom line it will need to be checked by a vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 14th, 2017
Warts are usually non cancerous and do not need to be touched or removed, unless they are bothering Fiffy, but in order to be sure it's indeed a wart and not something else, i would recommend to have it checked by your vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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