myPET Podcast: Skin Lumps and Skin Cancers; Dangerous or Not?

This episode explores the many types of skin lumps seen in dogs and cats, from harmless age-related growths to serious cancers requiring urgent treatment. It explains how lumps form, the differences between benign and malignant growths, which lumps can be monitored at home, and which need immediate veterinary attention. The discussion also covers diagnosis techniques, surgical considerations, and prevention strategies for sun-related cancers.

Podcast Summary: Understanding Skin Lumps in Pets

• Skin lumps are one of the most common reasons pets visit the vet; many are harmless, but some can be dangerous or fast-growing.
• Common non-cancerous causes include infections, allergic skin reactions, hotspots, abscesses (especially cat-bite abscesses), and cysts.
• Skin tags are benign, age-related growths often found on pressure points; they usually do not need removal unless damaged or repeatedly irritated.
• Fine needle aspirate (FNA) is a common diagnostic tool used to check for abnormal, fast-growing cells before deciding on surgery.
• Puppies — especially ridgebacks — may develop dermoid cysts caused by embryologic skin cell misplacement; these often require surgical removal.
• Interdigital cysts form between toes, often linked to allergies or infections, and may require antibiotics or surgical removal if persistent.
• Elbow calluses form from chronic pressure; they can ulcerate or become infected but are generally harmless unless painful.
• Older small dogs often develop sebaceous adenomas — benign growths of oil glands that may be numerous but rarely harmful.
• Sebaceous cysts hold thick, waxy material that may rupture and recur; they are usually benign but should still be assessed.
• Eyelid cysts (meibomian cysts) may rub the eye, causing discomfort or ulcers; early surgical removal prevents complications.
• Histiocytomas are common in young dogs — fast-growing but usually benign immune-cell tumours that often regress spontaneously.
• Rodent ulcers (eosinophilic granulomas) occur mostly in cats, often due to flea allergy; treatment involves flea control and corticosteroids.
• Sun-induced cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and hemangiosarcoma occur in pets with light skin, especially on ear tips, noses, groins, and armpits.
• SCC starts as scabby, non-healing lesions that gradually worsen; early surgical removal is the best chance for cure.
• Hemangiosarcomas appear as red, bruise-like spots that grow and bleed easily; they may spread and require aggressive treatment.
• Pets with chronic sun damage may repeatedly develop new skin tumours, requiring lifelong monitoring and intermittent surgery.
• Preventing sun exposure using shade, indoor housing, clothing, or sunscreen can significantly reduce sun-related cancer risk.
• Mast cell tumours are among the most common malignant skin cancers in dogs; they may grow quickly, ulcerate, or cause systemic illness and must be removed with wide margins.

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General advice only. Always consult your veterinarian for guidance about any skin lump or change.