24 Pictures of Dog Tumors, Cancer Lumps, Cysts & Warts

Dog with tumor or cancer lump

While scrolling through pictures of dog tumors and cysts can be a little scary, nothing compares to the fear of not knowing what a sudden bump on your dog might mean.

Of course, each node has its unique appearance and characteristics. For instance, although some might be pink or white, others could manifest as dark masses. Recognizing these variances is essential for prompt action.

In this article, a total of 24 pictures of lumps on dogs are shared for your reference. Yet, note that they are only examples, and you should never attempt to diagnose your pet’s condition based on these images alone.

Pictures of Tumors, Cysts, Lumps, and Warts in Dogs

When a dog’s skin begins to develop unusual growths, it could be an early sign of illness. From cancers to other deadly skin disorders, the list of possible causes is long and varied.

Here are some pictures of dog tumors and cysts that you can use to identify any changes in your pet. Images of warts and skin tags are also included so you can learn what these non-harmful conditions often look like.

1. Warts

Dog warts

Dog warts resemble tiny cauliflower heads, often appearing whitish, grayish, or flesh-colored. They are benign growths and can show up alone or clustered together.

2. Epulis

Epulis near dog teeth

Years ago, my dog had a bump near her tooth. On closer inspection, it was soft, with parts resembling cobblestone. The vet identified it as an epulis. Thankfully, it was non-cancerous and was easily removed via surgery.

3. Lipomas

Lipoma on dog abdomen

Lipomas are harmless tumors composed of fat cells. Commonly found on older dogs’ abdomens, they start small. However, their growth can become quite expansive, making early observation essential for pet care.

This video shows what a big lipoma looks like on a pooch:

Large lipoma in a dog

4. Skin Tags

Dog skin tag

Skin tags are benign, tear-shaped lumps of tissue that form in the top layers of skin. They can occur anywhere on a canine’s body, including its legs and elbows, as well as around its eyes and mouth.

5. Melanoma

Dog melanoma

Melanoma in dogs appears as raised bumps, often dark in color. Their size can vary, sometimes reaching up to three inches. Although most melanomas are harmless, others can be cancerous, so monitoring is crucial.

6. Abscesses

Dog abscess

Abscesses in canines stem from bacterial infections. These growths are filled with pus and can be painful to touch. Depending on their stage, they might feel warm, soft, or firm when examined.

7. Oral Papilloma

Dog oral papilloma

Oral papillomas, commonly called mouth or oral warts, look much like sea anemones. These growths typically affect young dogs, especially those under two years.

8. Interdigital Cysts

Interdigital cyst between a dog toes

Interdigital cysts, also known as furuncles or follicular cysts, are red, inflamed bumps between a dog’s toes. If these nodules become infected, they can release a cream-colored fluid.

9. Sebaceous Cysts

Sebaceous cyst near dog eyes

Sebaceous cysts are benign growths usually arising from blocked hair follicles. They appear as lumps that vary from firm to soft. Further, filled with fluid, these cysts can be painful and itchy for pooches.

10. Adenocarcinoma

Adenocarcinoma near anus

Adenocarcinoma is an anal gland tumor growing within or near a pup’s anus. Starting small, it can gradually expand. These tumors can be benign, but some may turn malignant, requiring vigilant observation and care.

11. Ocular Neoplasia

Ocular neoplasia

Ocular neoplasia refers to tumor growth in a dog’s eye, specifically on the eyelid. These growths can be either harmless or cancerous.

12. Mast Cell Tumors

Mast cell tumor

Mast cell tumors are malignant growths from specific blood cells tied to allergies and inflammation. They appear pink or white and might be hair-covered or ulcerated.

13. Testicular Tumors

Testicular tumor

Testicular tumors are frequent in older, unneutered male dogs. They manifest as nodular enlargements, making one testicle appear bigger or abnormally shaped.

14. Inverted Papilloma

Inverted papilloma

Inverted papillomas are rare in dogs, presenting as dome-shaped dermal nodules. They are firm, dark, and have a scaly surface.

15. Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcoma

Soft tissue sarcomas form from a dog’s connective, muscle, or nervous tissues. These cancerous tumors feel soft yet firm and are typically non-painful. However, they can grow significantly.

16. Mammary Gland Tumors

Mammary gland tumor

Mammary gland tumors in canines show up near or within the nipple. These masses can be soft or hard, with colors ranging from pink to red or purple. Often large, some might even be ulcerated.

17. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is a rare yet highly cancerous tumor. Usually found on a dog’s skin, mouth, or nail beds, it appears small, irritated, red-colored, and bumpy.

18. Transmissible Venereal Tumor

Transmissible venereal tumor

Transmissible venereal tumors are ulcerated bumps that spread between dogs via mating. These tumors typically surface in the penile or vulva regions, appearing as cauliflower-like nodules.

19. Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a fast-growing bone tumor. It typically forms in a dog’s limb bones. The result is a firm swelling beneath the skin that doesn’t easily move.

20. Meningioma

Meningioma

Meningioma is a tumor found in the brain lining, causing noticeable head swelling. It most often affects large-sized canines. Despite being non-cancerous, it can cause serious health issues and needs vet attention.

21. Metastatic Neoplasia

Metastatic neoplasia

Mets, or metastatic neoplasia, is when a pooch’s cancer spreads from its original site. It leads to raised and inflamed areas on the body.

22. Acanthomatous Ameloblastoma

Acanthomatous ameloblastoma

Acanthomatous ameloblastoma is a benign oral tumor in dogs, common in those aged 6 to 10 years. While not cancerous, it can aggressively affect mouth bones, requiring immediate removal.

23. Post-traumatic Sarcoma

Post traumatic sarcoma

Post-traumatic sarcoma is a tumor that emerges after injuries, exposure to foreign objects, or radiation. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to manage this condition in canines.

24. Uveal Melanoma

Uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma in dogs starts as brown or black masses on the eye’s surface. As it grows, it can become a large pigmented tumor inside the eye. This can lead to vision issues, discomfort, and glaucoma.


We hope these pictures of dog tumors, cancer lumps, cysts, and warts have been informative and helpful. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

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