Benign is Best

Despite the scary-sounding name, papillomas are simply warty growths that often appear as a dog ages. Dr. Susan Becker says, "These warts have certain characteristics, for example, they tend to look like tiny lumps of cauliflower. They're usually flesh-colored, but they can also be pink, black or grey." Becker recommends you consider these growths "beauty marks" and not worry about removal - they are benign -- unless your pup has one on his foot that makes it hard to walk or he becomes obsessed with licking it. (REF 4)
Felt under the skin, lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that Dr. Becker notes are benign tumors that "are incredibly common in dogs. The traditional veterinary community believes there is no breed, sex or age predisposition for the development of lipomas. And it's true any dog can grow a lipoma - young, old, spayed, neutered, obese or thin." A lipoma in a muscle will feel very firm, Becker cautions, and might seem like a more serious situation, but "chances are it's nothing to worry about." She recommends removal only if the fatty growths enlarge to the point of interfering with your pet's quality of life. For instance, a large lipoma under a front leg might make it difficult for your pet to lie down. (REF 5)
Sebaceous adenomas are another benign type of tumor and affect oil glands in your pet's skin. If the gland begins overproducing oil, it enlarges and forms a lump. Dr. Becker rarely removes these types of tumors in her practice but notes she would "recommend removing a sebaceous adenoma if it's in a bad location and is growing large enough that it's bothering the dog." As with other benign growths, removal might be recommended if the sebaceous adenoma is on a limb or if the dog just won't stop licking or chewing that spot. As with other examples, removal in those cases would improve a pet's quality of life.
Sebaceous cysts, which many humans also experience, occur when hair follicles become blocked by surface debris. With the blockage, sebum (a material resembling cottage cheese) builds up in the follicle and causes a lump. Infection can occur with these benign cysts and your veterinarian may choose to surgically remove the mass.

Skin Masses: Warts, Cysts, Lumps and Tumors

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