Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major
cyst behind knee
Sharmin:
A few months ago we noticed a cyst behind our son's knee. We told our dr. about it at the time, he was not concerned. We brought it to his attention again a few weeks ago b/c the cyst is persisting - he then had us do an ultrasound. We had the ultrasound today and the technician - although she could not give us a report stated that it was a water filled cyst which she also mentioned is usually nothing to be concerned about. We will get a complete report next week. She mentioned that the concern may be to figure out why the water is present. I know that this does not seem like a big deal, but since my son's thalassemia diagnosis I get concerned about everything. Does anyone have an idea as to why this may occur? Andy, could this be related to thalassemia or to the use of prednisone?
Thank you all, and I will let you know what the doctor tells us next week. I hope that it is really nothing to be concerned about.
Sharmin
Manal:
Hi Sharmin
So sorry to hear about this, but i am sure that it will be nothing to be concerned about. Sorry i don't have much information to help you but you will be in my prayers and thoughts. Wish you all the luck :hugfriend :hugfriend
Manal
Andy Battaglia:
Hi Sharmin,
This sounds like a Baker's cyst. Your doctor can verify if it is and will tell you if any treatment will be necessary. They usually disappear within two years.
From http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001222.htm
--- Quote ---Baker's cyst is a fluid collection behind the knee. This cyst may be formed by the connection of a normal bursa (a normal lubricating fluid sac) with the knee joint. This type is more common in children.
The condition can also be caused by the herniation of the knee joint capsule out into the back of the knee, which is more common in adults. This type of Baker's cyst is commonly associated with a tear in the meniscal cartilage of the knee...
Often no treatment is necessary...A Baker's cyst is a benign lesion that will not cause any long-term harm
--- End quote ---
Treatment is often with anti-inflammatory drugs. Prednisone may have a positive effect on the cyst over time.
I will mention the following because it can be significant in terms of thal patients. It must be verified that a swelling like this is indeed a cyst and not a DVT (deep vein thrombosis). Thals do have clotting issues at times (one more reason to supplement with vitamin E, which is a blood thinner) so a blood clot or DVT should be ruled out in thals, as they can be life-threatening.
--- Quote ---It is very important to tell the difference between a ruptured Baker's cyst and a blood clot (deep venous thrombosis), which can also cause pain, swelling, and bruising on the back of the knee and calf. A blood clot may be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
--- End quote ---
Sharmin, I will assume that the technician who did the ultra sound would know the difference between a cyst and a blood clot in an ultrasound, so I doubt this is any danger here.
Sharmin:
Hi Andy,
Our doctor mentioned 'Baker's cyst' when he examined our son. Thank you so much for your reply, I feel a lot better, I was a little scared this morning.
There is not pain or discomfort associated with the bump, and the technician did say that it was a cyst filled with water. The lump is not obvious - my mom, who has x-ray vision, noticed it while my son was putting on his hockey equipment, I probably would not have noticed it.
Once again I am amazed with how much knowledge you have - I would like to put in another vote for the honorary doctorate.
I would like to begin the vitamin E supplement - how much would one give a 53lb child?
I am also not giving him any other supplements - such as folate - b/c I don't know how much to give.
Thanks again Andy,
Sharni :hugfriend :hugfriend
Zaini:
Hi Sharmin,
I hope everything is going well with your son,Andy's answer must have helped you,as always :),he is genious,
Wishing you luck an joy,
ZAINI.
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