Growth on Jasmine

I've got a well-established Jasmine, and last week we found five of these on the woody stems:



I've cut them out, so there's no immediate problem, but does anyone know what they are and if they're treatable/preventable?

 

They are a type of canker a bacterial infection can be caused through the cold or damage to stems allowing the bacteria to enter,cutting them out is ok but the wound can be treated with a mixture of alchol and shelac,you should have no further problem once the plant is into vigorous growth.

 

The jasmine is a good fifteen years old at least; I'm not sure how that applies to vigorous growth?

 

Vigorous growth as in summer growth after winter rest.

 

Ah.