Most dog owners spend time petting their animal each day. If you suddenly feel a bump forming on your dog's skin, you may become alarmed. Your first thought might be that the bump is a cancerous tumor, but it could be a histiocytoma.
These types of skin bumps are benign, but they still require veterinary attention. Learn as much as possible about histiocytomas to help you better care for your dog in the future.
What is a histiocytoma?
A histiocytoma is a broad diagnosis for any dome-shaped lump that might appear on your dog's skin. These lumps most commonly appear on the face, ears, and neck, but could pop up anywhere on your dog's body.
A histiocytoma will be firm to the touch. In rare cases, the histiocytoma could show evidence of blistering or ulceration that might be painful for your pet. Only a veterinarian can definitively diagnose a histiocytoma, so you should take your dog in for a checkup as soon as you notice the lump on your dog's skin.
How is a histiocytoma diagnosed?
Because a histiocytoma and a malignant tumor can appear very similar to one another, your veterinarian will need to examine the cells that make up your dog's skin lump under a microscope. The cells are gathered through a process known as aspiration.
Your vet will insert a small needle directly into the bump, then remove some cells by pulling them into the needle. Under the enhancement of a microscope, the veterinarian will be able to see if the cells are mutated (which indicate malignant cancer), or if the cells appear to be pleomorphic round cells, which pose no serious threat.
How is a histiocytoma treated?
Once your vet has confirmed through aspiration and visual examination that the bump on your dog's skin is a histiocytoma, there are a few courses of action available to you.
The least invasive treatment is to wait and see if the histiocytoma reduces in size on its own. If you don't want to risk having the lump grow larger, you can have your veterinarian remove the histiocytoma through a surgical excision or cryosurgery with a laser.
Strange lumps and bumps on your dog's skin should always be taken seriously. Work closely with your pet care service to monitor any noticeable lumps on your dog to determine if they are malignant tumors or benign histiocytomas. Knowing the difference will help you get your dog the treatment they need to remain in good health.
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