Aneurysmal bone cysts of the jaws

Int J Surg Pathol. 2009 Aug;17(4):311-22. doi: 10.1177/1066896909332115. Epub 2009 Feb 19.

Abstract

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a osteolytic bone lesion that rarely involves the jaws. To date, a total of 92 cases of JABCs have been described in detail in English literature. They prevalently occur in the first 2 decades (72.8%) with slight female predilection. It affects the mandible more often (68.5%) with a predominant location in the mandibular ramus (31.3%) and its posterior regions (20.4%). A painless (54.7%) or painful (43.2%) bone swelling is the most frequent clinical sign. Radiologically 93.8% of the lesions present as a radiolucency; in 69.4% multilocular in appearance. 15.2% of JABCs were secondary in nature, including 8 cases associated with fibrous dysplasia. The recurrence rate (13.3%) did not differ significantly when comparing the surgical technique (curettage, 15.2%; resection, 11.8%). JABCs are known for their different clinical and radiographic features, therefore often posing a diagnostic dilemma. Some JABC's may be secondary in nature. Careful curettage is considered to be suitable as treatment for JABCs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal / pathology*
  • Bone Cysts, Aneurysmal / surgery
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Curettage / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Jaw Cysts / diagnostic imaging
  • Jaw Cysts / pathology*
  • Jaw Cysts / surgery
  • Male
  • Mandible / diagnostic imaging
  • Mandible / pathology
  • Mandible / surgery
  • Maxilla / diagnostic imaging
  • Maxilla / pathology
  • Maxilla / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Recurrence
  • Young Adult