Lumps and Bumps: When Is a Mass an Emergency?

Should You Be Concerned About a Lump on Your Pet?

Finding a lump or bump on your pet can be concerning, but not all masses are dangerous. Some are benign growths, while others may be signs of infection, inflammation, or even cancer. Knowing when to monitor a lump and when to seek immediate veterinary care can make a significant difference in your pet’s health.

At La Grange Veterinary Hospital, we encourage pet owners to stay vigilant and schedule an exam for any new or changing lumps. Early detection and diagnosis can prevent serious health complications and improve treatment outcomes.

Learn about cancer warning signs from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Common Causes of Lumps and Bumps in Pets

Not all lumps are cancerous, and many can be harmless growths. However, any new mass should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

1. Benign Tumors (Non-Cancerous Growths)

Some common harmless lumps include:

  • Lipomas – Fatty tumors under the skin that are soft and slow-growing.
  • Sebaceous Cysts – Fluid-filled lumps caused by blocked oil glands.
  • Histiocytomas – Small, red, button-like growths that often appear on young dogs.

These lumps usually don’t require treatment unless they become painful, infected, or start to interfere with movement.

2. Malignant Tumors (Cancerous Growths)

Cancerous lumps often:

  • Grow quickly or change shape.
  • Feel firm, fixed, or irregular in shape.
  • Cause ulceration, bleeding, or pain.

Common types of cancer in pets include:

  • Mast Cell Tumors – Often appear as raised, red, or ulcerated lumps on the skin.
  • Soft Tissue Sarcomas – Slow-growing tumors found under the skin, but can be invasive.
  • Mammary Tumors – More common in unspayed female dogs and cats.

For a full list of pet cancer types, visit the Veterinary Cancer Society.

3. Abscesses or Infections

Lumps caused by infection often appear:

  • Warm, swollen, and painful.
  • Filled with pus (may burst if untreated).
  • Red or inflamed.

These can result from bite wounds, embedded foreign objects, or bacteria. They often require antibiotics, drainage, or surgical intervention.

4. Skin Tags and Warts

Older pets often develop skin tags or warts that are:

  • Soft, floppy, and attached by a thin stalk.
  • Harmless unless they become irritated or infected.

If your pet licks, chews, or scratches at a wart, removal may be necessary.

How to Monitor a Lump at Home

If you discover a lump, track its characteristics using the “Lump Monitoring Checklist”:

  • Size – Measure with a ruler every two weeks.
  • Shape – Is it round, irregular, or lumpy?
  • Firmness – Is it soft and movable or firm and attached?
  • Growth Rate – Is it getting bigger or staying the same?
  • Pain or Discomfort – Does your pet react when touched?

Learn how to perform a home exam with guidance from the Humane Society.

When Is a Lump an Emergency?

Seek IMMEDIATE veterinary care if you notice:

  • Rapidly growing lumps appearing overnight.
  • A lump that is hard, irregular, or fixed in place.
  • Open sores or bleeding from a lump.
  • Lumps that are painful when touched.
  • Multiple lumps appearing suddenly.

If you are unsure, it’s always safer to have a veterinarian examine the mass. Learn more about emergency situations from the AAHA.

What Happens During a Veterinary Exam for a Lump?

During your pet’s visit, we may recommend:

  • Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) – A small needle extracts cells from the lump for analysis.
  • Biopsy – A larger tissue sample is taken for in-depth testing.
  • X-rays or Ultrasound – Checks if a lump has spread internally.
  • Blood Tests – Helps assess your pet’s overall health before treatment.

Early detection allows for more treatment options and better outcomes.

Treatment Options for Lumps and Masses

Treatment depends on the type and location of the lump. Options may include:

1. Monitoring and Observation

For small, slow-growing, or benign lumps, your vet may recommend watchful waiting.

2. Surgical Removal

Masses that are cancerous, painful, or growing rapidly may require surgical removal.

3. Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy

For aggressive cancers, advanced treatment options may be necessary.

Read about pet cancer treatments from the Veterinary Cancer Society.

Preventing Lumps and Tumors in Pets

While not all lumps can be prevented, some proactive steps can reduce cancer risk:

  • Spay and Neuter Early – Reduces risk of mammary, prostate, and testicular cancers.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight – Obesity increases cancer risk.
  • Minimize Sun Exposure – White-coated pets are prone to skin cancer.
  • Regular Veterinary Check-Ups – Early detection leads to better outcomes.

Routine wellness exams help catch changes before they become serious.

Schedule an Exam at La Grange Veterinary Hospital

If you notice a new lump or bump on your pet, don’t wait to have it checked! At La Grange Veterinary Hospital, we provide:

  • Comprehensive exams and diagnostics.
  • Expert lump and mass evaluations.
  • Surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

Schedule your pet’s appointment today! Visit our contact page or call us for expert care.