Palpable left popliteal fossa mass

[Sumrbrze]

I had found this lump on the back of my knee, finally went to the doctor to have it checked out, he doesn't hurt me at all. He said it felt like a popliteal cyst and suggested to follow up with an ultrasound and MRI which I did. I just recieved the report back the impression stated a 3.6x1 bilobed popliteal cyst. Mild degenerative disease of the patello femoral compartment, otherwise unremarkable study. My question is can this cyst be aspirated? is there anything else you can tell me about this? I'm a 60 year old woman, generally in good health. I'm hoping that this will not require surgery? Also, the ulrasound report showed no abnormal vascular flow, the popliteal artery and vwin showed normal doppler flow.

Thank You
Cathy

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Popliteal cysts are of not real significance themselves, except that they usually indicate some sort of problem within the knee joint itself.  When they are particularly large, the can cause discomfort, and draining them will give some temporary relief.  However, unless the intra-articular pathology is adressed, the cyst will likely recur.
From the results of your MRI the source of the fluid in the cyst, and probably in your knee, is the degenerative cartilage in your patellofemoral joint. This may respond to NSAID's, bracing, an injection of cortisone, or physical therapy.  Once the patella issues are adressed, the cyst should resolve.

[Sumrbrze]

Thank You so much for answering my question. It kind of eased my mind. I would like to know though why didn't my PCP tell me to follow up with an Orthopedic doctor? OR should he be the one to give me NSAIDS. OR maybe he feels that I should just leave it alone? Once again Thank You so very much,


Cathy