Mast Cell Tumours in dogs – signs and what to do
Book a vet visitBook a vet appointment if you think your dog has this – a vet needs to confirm it and plan the treatment. Mast cell tumours are skin lumps in dogs.
What you can do now
- Contact your vet about any new skin lump, especially if it is red, itchy or growing quickly.
- Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
- Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
- Keep fresh water available and let your dog rest somewhere calm.
Don't
- Do not give any human medicine.
- Do not wait if it gets worse.
What it is
Mast cell tumours are a type of skin cancer in dogs.[1] They can be found anywhere on the body and are often red, inflamed and itchy.[1] Any new skin lump should be checked ASAP, especially if it is red, itchy or growing quickly.[1]
Signs
Causes and risk factors
How a vet finds out
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
How vets treat it
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Medication
Breeds prone to this
Veterinary charities list these breeds as more likely than others to get this condition. Each breed page lists the inherited conditions documented in the breed.
beagleWhat the experts say
“Overview. Mast cell tumours (MCT) are a type of skin cancer in dogs. They can be tricky to spot because they all look different and often grow and shrink in size. MCT’s vary from low-grade (not very aggressive), to high-grade (very aggressive).”
Not sure how serious it is?
OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.
OkPaw is on Android now – an iPhone version is on its way.
Common questions
What are mast cell tumours?
Mast cell tumours are a type of skin cancer in dogs.[1]
When should I contact a vet?
Contact a vet as soon as possible about any new skin lump, especially if it is red, itchy or growing quickly.[1]
How may a vet treat a mast cell tumour?
Some require surgery, some require chemotherapy and a few require radiotherapy.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages
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