Skin Tumors - A Brief Overview
There are many different kinds of skin tumors, some are serious but most are benign. Most skin growths are likely to be either skin papillomas (i.e. warts) or sebaceous gland adenomas.
Skin papillomas are common in dogs but rare in cats. Their cause is unknown, although a viral infection appears to be involved in some cases. These growths can appear as solitary or multiple lumps and characteristically have a cauliflower-like surface. There is no way to prevent them from occurring.
Sebaceous gland tumors derive from the sebaceous glands in the skin, which secrete an oily substance called sebum. Sebum keeps the skin soft, pliable, and moisturized. These tumors are considered to be the most common kind of skin tumor in dogs, and are often confused with warts since they are similar in appearance.
Like papillomas, sebaceous gland tumors are common in dogs but rare in cats. They usually appear after nine to ten years of age, and there appears to be a predisposition in cocker spaniels as well as poodles, Boston terriers, Kerry blue terriers, beagles, dachshunds, Norwegian elkhounds and basset hounds.
Sebaceous gland tumors are usually not surgically excised unless they become too problematic.