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What can you tell me about bone cysts? And especially aneurysmal bone cysts?
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Bone cysts are spaces within a bone that are filled with some type of fluid. Two common benign bone cysts are unicameral and aneurysmal. Unicameral bone cysts are often close to the growth plate next to a joint. They tend to fill up with synovial (joint) fluid.
Aneurysmal bone cysts are more likely to be filled with blood. They affect the long bones (upper arm, thigh, ribs) and back of the spine most often. Aneurysmal bone cysts are considered "benign" meaning they aren't cancerous and don't spread. But they can do plenty of damage even causing the bone to break.
The cause of bone cysts remains unknown but there are some theories. Sluggish flow and congestion of fluids, trauma, and local disturbances in blood circulation are some of the more likely causes. There is evidence to support each one of these ideas. Molecular and genetic theories exist as well.
Knowing how bone cysts develop may help with prevention but once they appear, treatment is based more on the natural history and prognosis. Bone cysts don't usually go away by themselves without some type of treatment. Usually that treatment is surgical removal.
Left alone, they will just get bigger and increase the risk of another bone fracture. If the cyst is large enough, it may be necessary to fill in the empty space (after removal) with a bone graft.
Aneurysmal bone cysts tend to come back even after surgical removal. Efforts are being made to find effective ways to kill any unseen cells left behind. Liquid nitrogen, phenol, and argon beam coagulation are three examples of treatments used to prevent recurrence.
Only a very wide resection (cutting around the edges) of aneurysmal bone cysts has a zero per cent chance of recurrence. Other methods under investigation include arterial embolization. This is a way of injecting blood clots into the blood vessel to close it down and prevent further bleeding.
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*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. |
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