What Does A Fluid Sac On The Outside Of My Elbow Indicate?

Posted on Sun, 28 Jan 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 28 Jan 2018 Answered on

Wed, 1 Aug 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : What does a fluid sac on the outside of my elbow mean? I just noticed it yesterday. It is about 3/4 " by 1/2 ".

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
possible boil or else .kindly give details .

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear

Warm welcome to Healthcaremagic.com
I have evaluated your query thoroughly .

* This seems possible boil type lesion or others .

* Kindly provide further details so that I can answer your query completely .

1. Swelling - shape , consistency , changes in overlying skin .
2. Associated fever , pain in movements of elbow .
3. Any history of injury if any .

Kindly provide a photo picture of the same to assist further in the follow up session .

Awaiting for your response .

Regards .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (13 hours later)

Thank you for your response.

It's not like swelling from a bruise and there was no injury. There are no changes in the overlying skin, texture or color. There is no pain in movements of elbow.

In my opinion it doesn't look like a boil. I could send a picture in a text.

Regards,
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
possible bursa cyst . ultrasound of the part recommended.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX XXXXXXX ,

Thanks for the details .

* Likely bursa cyst type of lesion or else involving soft tissue .

* An ultrasound examination of the local part will completely evaluate the issue .

Regards .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (2 hours later)

Thank you.
What causes a bursa cyst? what is it? what are the consequences?
If that is what it is what is the recommended treatment if any? Is this something that I should follow up with my primary physician soon?
I appreciate your information.

Regards,
XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
follow up .

Detailed Answer:
Welcome dear .

* Bursa cyst is a benign ( non cancerous ) lesion which occurs around joint spaces ,
where there is some sort of fluid collection in it .
* It gradually increases in size over long period of times , does not harm to any
major extent at all .
* Many of the tiny cysts remain as of same sized and no treatment required
except symptoms of pain , if it enlarges more in size then surgery may be
required .

* There is no emergency to rush to the doctor at all , but prescription of an
ultrasound is required from your primary doctor so that final diagnosis can be
considered ( this is one possibility I have told as per the description , there is
fluid content ; not visible over surface so sebaceous cyst is less likely , lipoma has no fluid content)

* Would like to have your follow up once the diagnosis is confirmed .

Regards .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana