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Aneurysmal Bone Cyst

By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., About.com

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Definition: The aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a type of bone cyst. Aneurysmal bone cysts are benign, therefore it is not the type of disease that will spread to other areas. However, a bone cyst can cause destruction of bone and isolated symptoms at the site of the bone cyst.

The most common problem that an aneurysmal bone cyst will cause is weakening of the bone. This may lead to increased susceptibility to fracture at that location. Because of this, the bone cyst may need to be treated in the operating room to prevent a fracture. Sometimes the bone cyst will not be found until after a fracture has happened. In this case, treatment of the fracture will also include treatment of the bone cyst to prevent a recurrence of this problem.

Also Known As: ABC, bone cyst

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