Aneurysmal Bone Cysts

An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign tumor, often occurring in children and young adults, which forms in the bone and contains a cavity filled with blood. The cyst can cause pain, swelling and pathological fractures, and it can develop into a localized bone destruction or a vertebral collapse. Treatment of an ABC often involves surgery to remove the cyst and restore bone stability. For small cysts, radiation therapy may be recommended. In some cases, ABCs can be cured without surgery since the cyst walls can often become calcified, which can cause the cyst to shrink. The medical importance of ABCs lies in their potential to cause bone destruction, weakness, and fracture, making their diagnosis and treatment very important.