Did you know dogs develop cancer at rates similar to humans, with 381 cases per 100,000 annually? And as a dog owner, you might wonder if a lump on your furry friend is a harmless cyst or a more serious tumor.
This post explains the differences between cysts and tumors, how to identify them, and when to seek veterinary care.
What Are Cysts in Dogs?
Cysts are hollow sacs with a membrane filled with fluid, semi-fluid, or solid material. They can form in tissues anywhere on a dog’s body.
They’re often found on or beneath the skin and are common in dogs over seven years old. About 15% of senior dogs develop cysts, which may vary in size and number.
Prostatic cysts are more common in adult, intact male dogs and are sometimes caused by bacterial infections.
Common Causes of Cysts in Dogs
Cysts in dogs can arise from various factors, ranging from environmental to genetic.
Here are some causes of cysts in dogs:
Blocked Pores
Also known as comedones, these occur when pores are obstructed, often due to injuries, infections, or chronic skin inflammation.
Genetic Tendencies
Certain breeds, such as Boxers, Schnauzers, and Basset Hounds, are more likely to develop cysts due to inherited traits.
Sun Damage
Exposing your dog to UV rays for too long at a time can harm your dog’s skin, increasing the risk of forming a cyst.
Inactive Hair Follicles
Hairless breeds, such as the Chinese Crested Dog and Mexican Hairless Dog, can develop cysts because their hair follicles aren’t active and don’t function properly.
Medication Reactions
Drugs like glucocorticoids (steroids) may cause comedones to form as a side effect.
Embryonic Growth Issues
Dermoid cysts are a type of birth defect. They form when the skin doesn’t close properly while a puppy is developing in the womb.
Breeds like Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Kerry Blue Terriers are particularly prone to these.
Trauma
Injuries, hemorrhages, or reactions to injections can cause false cysts, especially around the flanks or areas impacted by trauma.
Injuries, bleeding, or bad reactions to injections can cause cysts, especially on the sides of a dog’s body or in areas that have been previously injured.
What Are Dog Tumors?
Tumors grow in dogs when cells multiply uncontrollably and don’t die like they should.
These abnormal growths fall into two main categories:
Benign Tumors
These growths are not cancerous. They won’t spread or harm healthy tissue.
Usually, they don’t need treatment unless they bother your dog or affect their life.
Overall, they’re not a big health worry.
Malignant Tumors
Unlike benign tumors, malignant tumors, also known as cancers, are very dangerous. They can spread to other parts of the body. The effect of the tumor on your dog’s health depends on the type of cancer and how aggressive it is.
To know if a tumor is benign or malignant, you need a vet to do some tests. After that, the vet can recommend the best treatment for your dog.
Common Types of Tumors in Dogs
Tumors in dogs can develop in various tissues and organs. Here are some of the most common ones:
Benign Tumors
- Lipomas: Fat cell tumors that grow under the skin. They’re harmless but may become large or make it difficult to move if near joints.
- Histiocytomas: Frequently seen in young dogs, these red or ulcerated skin growths usually resolve on their own within weeks.
- Papillomas: Wart-like growths caused by the canine papillomavirus, often found on the mouth or throat. They clear up naturally without treatment.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tumors
- Mast Cell Tumors: Malignant tumors of the immune cells in the skin. They can mimic benign growths and vary in appearance.
- Melanomas: These arise from pigment-producing cells, often in the mouth, skin, eyes, or nail beds. Oral melanomas are particularly aggressive.
Lymphatic and Blood-Related Tumors
- Lymphoma: A cancer of lymphocytes, showing up as swollen lymph nodes near the jaw, shoulders, or knees. Fatigue and loss of appetite may also occur.
- Hemangiosarcomas: This type of cancer that affects the blood vessels. They can show up in different places like the spleen, heart, or skin. Sometimes, the first sign of this cancer is sudden bleeding inside the body.
Bone and Glandular Tumors
- Osteosarcoma: A serious type of bone cancer that can cause pain, swelling, broken bones, and difficulty walking. It usually affects the limbs.
- Mammary Gland Tumors: These are only found in dogs who were not spayed or spayed late, and can be either harmless or cancerous. A pathologist needs to examine them to be sure.
- Thyroid Carcinomas: Thyroid tumors may cause a lump in the neck, but often aren’t found until they spread.
Dog Cyst vs. Tumor: Which Is More Serious?
In general, tumors are more serious than cysts, especially if they’re malignant.
Cysts are usually harmless and don’t cause health problems unless they get infected, become too big, or are a sign of other issues.
Benign tumors are generally not life-threatening, but malignant tumors can spread and be dangerous. Even benign tumors can cause problems if they disrupt important body functions.
The seriousness of a tumor depends on the type and behavior of the tumor. Malignant tumors are the most serious.
Causes of Dog Tumors
Dog tumors happen when cells get damaged and grow abnormally. Usually, the body fixes or gets rid of these bad cells, but sometimes they stick around and can form tumors or cancer. The major causes are:
- Genetics: Some dog breeds, like Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Rottweilers, are more likely to get certain types of cancer. This means that their risk of cancer is passed down through their genes.
- Age: As dogs get older, they are more likely to get cancer. This is because their immune systems get weaker, and they are less able to get rid of damaged cells.
- Environment: Prolonged exposure to things that cause cancer, like pesticides, radiation, and UV rays, can make it more likely for a dog to get cancer.
How Vets Diagnose Tumors and Cysts in Dogs
When you find a growth on your dog, it’s essential to consult your vet for a physical exam.
Pay attention to the location of the growth, how long it’s been present, whether it has changed in size, color, or texture, and if your dog seems uncomfortable or irritated by it. These details help guide the diagnostic process.
Photographs of the growth over time can help your vet to track changes and better assess the situation.
Depending on how the lump appears, the vet may need to collect a sample of cells for closer examination.
This can be done in several ways:
- Impression Smear: Pressing a slide to the growth’s surface to collect cells.
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Using a syringe and a small needle to withdraw cells from the lump.
- Biopsy: Surgically removing a small tissue sample under local or general anesthesia for detailed analysis.
In many cases, vets analyze impression smears or FNA samples by staining the slides and examining them under a microscope right in the clinic.
For more complex cases, samples are sent to specialized vet pathologists for advanced testing.
Once the test results are in, your vet will explain the diagnosis, recommend the best treatment, and talk about what to expect. This way, you can make sure your dog gets the care they need.
Truffle Paws Is Here for Your Dog’s Health
At Truffle Paws, we understand how worrying it can be when your dog develops a lump, whether it’s a cyst or a tumor.
Diagnostic tests and treatments can be costly, especially if the growth is serious, such as a malignant tumor. That’s why we’re here to help.
Our comprehensive pet insurance plans ensure you’re financially prepared for unexpected vet visits and specialized care.
Don’t wait until a lump becomes a larger concern. Visit our website or contact our team today to learn how Truffle Paws can protect your dog when they need it most.
