My dog has a recurring white lump on his head. Should I pop it?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. Based on its appearance, this is most likely a benign sebaceous adenoma. 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 him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good one!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This appears to be a fluid filled cyst from the looks of it. These can come and go at times. Typically there is no concern with these other than the fact that they are unsightly for some pet owners. This is something that could be removed under sedation if you would like it removed.

It could be an infection, cyst, or a mass. Have your vet take a look at it to determine the exact cause. Your vet can do a needle aspirate to diagnose and then determine the best way to treat. She may need an antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, or it may need to be removed.

This may be a cyst or a tumor, or a pimple (little abscess). You should have it examined by your veterinarian as tumors should be removed ASAP, especially if they are of a black color. An abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics and/or be lanced, and a cyst can be evacuated. Your vet may want to do a fine needle aspirate (he takes some material from the bump with a needle and then looks at it under the microscope) to determine whether the mass is concerning. You can also watch it for a few days and see whether it goes away again. I don't think it is anything terribly worrisome.

Hello That mass could be an adenoma or essentially a wart, or it could potentially be a cyst, an infected hair follicle, or a tumor. The best way to tell is to actually take a sample of the mass and look at under microscope to see if there any cancer cells, bacteria, or normal cells. Your veterinarian can do this for you and discuss the results and if any further treatment is needed.

Hello. This looks like a small, benign button tumor. Usually, they do not grow significantly & sometimes they regress spontaneously. Do not pop this yourself because of the risk of infection. Any lump & bump should be thoroughly examined by your veterinarian because while this looks benign, it may not be. If your vet tells you he is concerned & it should be removed, this is an ideal time to do so while it is very small. Otherwise, leave it be until your vet has a chance to look at it. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. Lucas has a small infected plaque, but nothing to be overly concerned about. Do not pop this, but do pick up a skin antiseptic called Hibiclens ( available at all pharmacies ) & gently clean the area 2-3 times a day. If it pops on its own, just continue to clean the skin until it heals. Lucas should be just fine. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.