Regardless of how the skin mass feels, you should get it examined by a vet to confirm it is not a tumor. Doing the feel test is not a definitive way to diagnosis the skin mass.
If your dog has multiple skin masses that are the size of a pea or larger, take her to the vet right away.
Pay attention to how the skin mass develops in terms of feel. If the skin mass starts to feel hard or less movable under your dog’s skin, you should bring your pet to the vet for a diagnosis.
Taking photos of the lump and/or measuring it can help you to track any changes with more accuracy than just looking at it. Try snapping a photo of the mass and write down the diameter to help you see if it is changing or growing. If the dog has a fast growing mass, that may also mean it’s cancerous. Sometimes, benign skin masses can develop skin infections that need to be treated and that make the mass look bigger.
If your dog displays these symptoms, you should bring her to the vet right away for a diagnosis. The sooner the skin mass is examined and diagnosed, the quicker your dog can get the treatment she needs.
You may also notice your dog appears lethargic and sluggish. She may not want to go for her usual walks or be interested in playing with you like she usually does. These may be signs she has a medical issue due to the skin mass and needs to be examined by your vet.
For example, your vet may ask: “How long as the growth been on your dog? Has it gotten smaller or larger over time? How fast is it growing? How many skin masses are on your dog? Has your dog experienced any injuries or recent traumas? Have there been any changes in your pet’s behavior or demeanor?”
In some cases, a fine needle aspirate may be performed. This is when the vet collects a few cells from the lump by putting a needle into it. If an infection is suspected as the cause of the problem, then the vet will swab any discharge from the mass or send a small piece of tissue away for culture to identify the bugs present.
If the skin mass is diagnosed as a tumor, your vet may recommend surgery to have it removed as soon as possible. Smaller tumors that are removed right away will increase your dog’s chances of recovery and reduce her risk of developing cancer. [9] X Research source
