Can Blood Tests Show if Skin Lumps Are Cancer?
Reader Question
My dog, Boo, is a terrier-lab mix. She had a lump removed off her leg 7 years ago, it was not cancerous. Lately she has many different growths on her skin. Vet did blood tests for $300 and did not find any dysfunctioning organs. That was all the info I got for $300! Some little bumps broke open on their tops, others are soft squishy under the skin. She does not seem in pain.
Would blood tests show if they are cancerous?
Would blood tests show if they are cancerous?
Answer from Our Team
Not usually. Blood tests check general health and organ function, which is useful before surgery, but they can't tell whether a lump is cancer. A needle aspirate or biopsy of the lumps is needed.
Soft, squishy lumps under the skin are often lipomas, and bumps that break open may be cysts or sebaceous growths. Ask your vet to aspirate a few of them, especially any that are growing.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
