In general, dogs are prone to various kinds of dermal cysts, growths and skin tumors as they age. Many of these growths are benign but some could be cancerous. Always check your dog for any unusual or new growths. If you find any growth on your dog, the best course of action to take is to have your veterinarian examine her. Some of these growths can be diagnosed based on physical exam and inspection. Your vet may want to perform a “fine needle aspiration” to get a sample for microscopic analysis. This is a fairly easy and quick test that can often help to differentiate between a cyst, infection, malignant growth and a benign growth. At this time, your vet will advise you on the best way to proceed. Never use any pet medication on your dog unless checking with your vet first.