Finding a lump on your dog or your cat can be unsettling. It’s easy to jump to the worst-case scenario – but not every lump is dangerous. Some are harmless, others need monitoring, and a few could point to cancer in dogs or cats. Here’s how to tell the difference and what to do next.

First things first: don’t panic

Lumps and bumps are common, especially as pets get older. Many are benign (non-cancerous), like lipomas (fatty growths), cysts, or skin tags. But the only way to know for sure is to get it checked.

What to watch for

Noticing a lump is a good reason to make a vet appointment, especially if it’s:

• New or growing quickly
• Hard, irregular, or fixed in place
• Red, ulcerated, or oozing
• Causing your pet to lick or chew at it
• Making your pet uncomfortable or lame

These could be signs of cancer in dogs or cats, but only a vet can say for sure.

How your vet will check it

Your vet will usually start with a fine needle aspirate, a quick and usually painless test that takes a small sample of cells from the lump. Based on the results, they might recommend:

• Monitoring the lump over time
• Removing it surgically
• Sending it to a pathologist for more information

Getting a diagnosis is the only way to rule out cancer in your pet.

When it might be cancer

Some lumps turn out to be more serious. Cancer in dogs and cats can present as a lump on or under the skin. The earlier it’s found, the better the outcome. If your vet suspects something concerning, they may refer you to a veterinary oncologist for further testing or treatment.

Bottom line

If your pet has a lump, it doesn’t always mean cancer, but it always deserves attention. Early detection is your best ally, and a quick needle sample can often put your mind at ease.

You know your pet best. If something feels off, trust that instinct.