Summary about Disease
A bone cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops within a bone. They are typically benign (non-cancerous) lesions. There are two main types: simple (unicameral) bone cysts and aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs). Simple bone cysts are more common in children and adolescents and usually occur near the growth plates of long bones. ABCs are less common and can occur at a wider range of ages and locations, sometimes growing more aggressively.
Symptoms
Many bone cysts are asymptomatic (cause no symptoms) and are discovered incidentally on X-rays taken for other reasons. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
Pain in the affected area (may be dull or aching)
Swelling or a palpable lump
Pathologic fracture (a fracture that occurs due to weakened bone)
Limited range of motion (if the cyst is near a joint)
Causes
The exact causes of bone cysts are not fully understood.
Simple Bone Cysts: Theories include trauma, increased intraosseous pressure, or abnormalities in bone growth and development.
Aneurysmal Bone Cysts: These cysts are thought to arise from vascular abnormalities or reactive processes within the bone. Some ABCs are associated with other bone lesions or genetic mutations.
Medicine Used
There is no medicine used to treat this disease.
Is Communicable
No, bone cysts are not communicable. They are not caused by infection and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent the development of bone cysts, as the exact causes are unknown. If a bone cyst is diagnosed, precautions focus on preventing fractures:
Activity modification to avoid high-impact activities that could stress the affected bone.
Protective bracing or splinting may be recommended.
How long does an outbreak last?
Bone cysts do not have "outbreaks." They are individual lesions that can persist indefinitely if not treated. The duration of symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the cyst, and whether a fracture occurs.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
X-rays: To visualize the cyst and assess its size and location.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): To provide more detailed images of the cyst and surrounding tissues, helping to differentiate it from other bone lesions.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography): May be used to assess the bony structure in more detail.
Bone Scan: May be used to assess the activity level of the cyst.
Biopsy: In some cases, a bone biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, especially if the appearance on imaging is atypical.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary greatly:
Asymptomatic Stage: Many cysts are asymptomatic and remain undiagnosed for a long time.
Gradual Onset: Pain may develop gradually over weeks or months as the cyst enlarges.
Sudden Onset: A pathologic fracture can cause sudden and severe pain.
Post-Fracture: Pain and swelling may persist for weeks or months after a fracture, during the healing process.
Important Considerations
Monitoring: Small, asymptomatic cysts may be monitored with regular X-rays to check for growth or changes.
Treatment Options: Treatment options include observation, aspiration and injection of corticosteroids or bone marrow, curettage (surgical removal of the cyst) with or without bone grafting, and, in some cases, internal fixation to stabilize the bone.
Recurrence: Bone cysts can recur after treatment, so follow-up is important.
Individualized Approach: Treatment should be tailored to the individual patient, considering factors such as age, cyst size and location, symptoms, and risk of fracture.
Consultation with a Specialist: It is essential to consult with an orthopedic surgeon or a specialist in bone tumors for proper diagnosis and management.