b'ARTICLELumps and bumps are common findings in dogs. As veterinary professionals we see a range of worry from owners, from the deeply concerned to the Im sure its nothing. The truth is, without a proper diagnostic workup, it is impossible to know the true nature of a lump, and our role as advocates for animal health is to ensure each lump is given the time and respect to determine what it is. There are numerous options available to practitioners when it comes to assessing dermal and subcutaneous masses, and this article will explore commonEarly identification and diagnostic methods, the limitations of certain techniques, new advancementsdiagnosis of potentially in veterinary technology, and howmalignant masses are critical artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming cancer screening. for improving outcomesWhen a lump or bump is noticed on aeach lump deserves the time dog, the first step is to locate it andand respect to determine its asses if it is dermal, subcutaneous or within deeper tissues. Next istrue nature.understanding their naturewhether they are benign or malignant, infectious,to record the tissues thermogenic inflammatory, or caused by trauma.behaviour as it gets heated and then While many lumps are harmless,cools down naturally. This information is early identification and diagnosis ofanalysed using an AI-based algorithm potentially malignant masses are criticalwhich then provides a score from 1-10. A for improving outcomes. high score of 5-10 indicates the mass is At the initial consultation for a lump orlikely to be benign at a high probability bump, the most important thing to do, isbetween 90% and 99%, whereas a low something! The pea for a month sayingscore of 1-4 indicates a lower probabilityif a lump is pea sized or bigger and hasof the mass being benign and, therefore, been there for a month or more - shouldrecommends further diagnostic testing. be followed and all lumps and bumpsThe use of a screening device ensures in this category should be investigated.more masses are scanned and screened, This begins with palpation, to assess size,which typically results in more masses shape, consistency, mobility and whetherbeing aspirated or biopsied, which is it is painful to the touch. However,essential when trying to catch cases of palpation alone shouldnt be relied uponcancer early. when diagnosing. Further investigations such as an FNA or biopsy, particularly ifObtaining a definitive diagnosis with done early and before excision, can leadcytology or biopsy early results in early to improved patient outcomes.implementation of treatment plans. New screening toolThe earlier a mass is detected, the more likely surgery will be curative, particularly However, there are situations whenfor small tumours. If a tumour is removed gaining permission to move straightwith complete surgical margins, to invasive diagnostic testing is metprognosis is often favourable. with resistance from pet owners. OrIdentifying a mass times where the clinician feels the lump is benign but would prefer moreBefore moving to surgery, it is important information to confirm this assumption.to know what the mass is before you A new screening tool, the HT Vista, helpsremove it. For the majority of cases to bridge this gap and offers on the spotthis can be achieved with an FNA and screening of masses. The HT Vista usescytology. FNA can help to distinguish Heat Diffusion Imaging (HDI) technologyneoplasia, such as mast cell tumours and www.inspiredvet.co.uk23'