Aneurysmal Bone Cyst

An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a blood- or liquid-filled tumor that forms on the bone. Although they aren’t cancerous and don’t spread, they still need to be treated, since they can grow and expand the bone and cause it to fracture. When this happens, it can cause pain, swelling, deformity and could disrupt growth or cause neurological issues. There are 2 types of ABCs:

• Active: Can deform the bone it’s growing in, while remaining contained in the bone
• Aggressive: Will extend beyond the bone, into soft connective tissue and typically require treatment

Causes

The cause of an aneurysmal bone cyst is unknown. 

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms related to aneurysmal bone cysts are:

• Swelling at the site of the cyst
• Stiffness
• Mild to severe neurological problems if cyst is on the spine
• Fractures

Diagnosis

To determine if your child has an aneurysmal bone cyst, your specialized doctor may perform a number of tests to determine the size, location, and severity of the cyst. The tests may include:

• Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans or angiography
• Physical examination
• Biopsy

Treatment 

Your doctor will determine the best treatment based on your child’s age, overall health, location of the cyst and other factors. Your child’s doctor will discuss all options for the best outcome for your child.

Surgical Treatment

It’s important to be aware that your child may need several different treatments, including surgery. There are different procedures a surgeon may use, such as bone grafting or curettage, which involves scraping out the bone to remove the cyst.

See more information 

Bone Tumors