Should I be worried about my dog's raised, oozing skin growth?

I'd have to say that I'm concerned about that focal mass area that is pigmented black, but the rest of this lesion does not look like any type of skin cancer I have seen. If the vet is concerned that this is cancer, typically we debulk (remove as much as possible) or completely remove what we can before attempting chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is also best guided when we know exactly the type of tumor we are dealing with, as there are several types of cancers that can affect the skin of dogs. My advice would be to get a biopsy performed of this lesion and get an exact diagnosis before proceeding with treatment.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A mass on the skin is never "normal," but it is not uncommon to see skin masses appear as patient's age. It is virtually impossible to be able to distinguish a benign versus a malignant (cancerous) growth based on appearance alone, which is why we typically rely on biopsies or fine needle aspirates for diagnosis. Fine needle aspirates are less invasive and do not require sedation/anesthesia, but only give us a small picture of the mass since we are only able to sample the cells present within the needle used. Removal of a mass with submission for histopathology (biopsy) is always preferred and recommended for masses that change in size or shape. If the mass on Bradley's leg is changing, continually infected, or is irritating/painful for him, it would be best to have the mass removed and submitted for histopathology. Even if the mass is benign, it is serving as a source of irritation/infection for him, and could potentially become malignant in the future.

Hello, Smurf's skin tag may not be much to be worried about since it has been there for over a year. However it is not your typical skin mass in terms or color and appearance and some of those dark pigmented skin masses can be malignant. The only way to really know though is by removing it. I would consult with your veterinarian about removing the mass and submitting it for biopsy so that your can know for sure if it is benign or malignant. The mass is small so surgery shouldn't be too extensive, but they may require pre-surgical bloodwork and x-rays. Hope this helps and best of luck.

I recommend to have Pookie examined by the veterinarian. Skin masses can be many things but red raised masses are especially concerning for a skin cancer called a Mast Cell tumor. Your veterinarian will need to collect a sample of cell to examine under the microscope to determine what this is and if further treatment is needed. Have this checked out soon.

I suspect your veterinarian is correct. When masses get to the point that they begin to ooze or break open, they need to be removed, even if they are not cancerous. Masses can outgrow their blood supply and this can be a reason to see that oozing. Masses can also get infected and this could cause that oozing. I recommend to play it safe and have Brian examined by his veterinarian today to make sure antibiotics are not needed. Make sure to protect the masses from itching, scratching or rubbing. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I recommend to take Greta to see her veterinarian. While most skin masses are benign, masses that a red/pink, hairless and raised are a concern for a malignant skin tumor called a Mast Cell tumor. It also appears as though this mass is ulcerated regardless and it needs to be removed. Once masses grow to the point of ulceration, they will heal and break open over and over again which can make them prone to infections not to mention oozing/bleeding. Just like with a human, the doctor will likely take a sample of the mass or remove the mass entirely and microscopically exam it. Thats the only way to know what it is accurately. In the mean time, protect the mass from trauma and wash it daily with an antibacterial hand soap (rinse it well). You can apply a small amount of coconut oil and rub it well into the skin. This may help the wound to heal a little faster. I hope this helps to point you in the right direction. Please feel free to post any further questions!

This could be a skin growth. this growth needs to be checked and analysed as there are many conditions and types of tumors that could look like that. take Bentley to the vet, they will perform a fine needle aspiration on the growth and send it to the lab for analysis. when the result comes, the vet will advise what needs to be done according to the diagnosis.