Chondral/bone cyst
On this page, you will find everything you seek regarding bone cysts.
What is a bone cyst?
- Bone cysts are fluid-filled holes that form in bones, primarily affecting children and adolescents. They are usually not serious, but sometimes require surgical treatment. There are four main types of bone cysts:
- Fibrous dysplasia: This refers to a central part of the bone that has failed to develop as solid bone and has instead become fibrous in nature.
- Fibrous cortical defects: These are benign bony lesions that form on the outer edge or cortex of the bone.
- Simple bone cysts: These usually occur in large bones, such as the humerus, near the growth plate.
Aneurysmal bone cysts: These are fluid- or blood-filled areas of bones that commonly occur in adolescents.
What are the symptoms of a bone cyst?
- Benign (non-cancerous) bone cysts generally do not cause pain, but if they are large enough, they might cause:
- Pain in the area where the bone cyst is located.
Weakness in the bones and fractures. This type of fracture is known as a “pathological fracture,” which is a break in the weakened bone caused by mild force that would not normally damage typical bones.
What causes bone cysts?
- The exact cause of bone cysts is unknown. They are not cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. It is believed that the main types of bone cysts have different causes, for example:
- Simple bone cysts: These may form if fluid is not properly drained from the bone as it grows.
Aneurysmal bone cysts: Blood-filled holes may result from a vascular issue in the bones (possibly due to an injury or non-cancerous growth).
What are the diagnostic methods?:
- The doctor will take the medical history and conduct a physical examination, and may also request additional tests as needed, such as:
X-rays.
What are the treatment methods for bone cysts?
- Some bone cysts shrink over time and disappear without any medical intervention, and are monitored periodically with the specialist. A bone cyst may require treatment if it is:
- Large or growing over time, as this may lead to the bone becoming weaker and more prone to fracture.
Causing issues such as pain or swelling.
- The treatment is conducted through various procedures or as needed and might include the following:
- Draining fluid if present inside the bone cyst with a needle and injecting medicine into the bone to assist healing; this may need to be done several times over a few months.
Removing or scraping out the cyst: The hole may be filled with small pieces of bone taken from another part of your body or from a donor, or with a bone mixture.
In case of a pathological fracture, surgical cleaning of the cyst may be needed, followed by filling it with a special material to heal the bone.
What are the preventive methods for bone cysts?
There is no method to prevent bone cysts, but you should regularly consult with a specialist if diagnosed with a bone cyst to avoid complications such as pathologic fractures.
What are the complications of bone cysts?
- The following complications may accompany a bone cyst:
- Pathological fracture: The primary complication of a simple bone cyst is fracture.
- Malignant transformation is rare in simple bone cysts.
- Arthritis.
- Growth disorder: Rarely, but it may cause limb length discrepancy or angular deformities in children.
Recurrence of the bone cyst after treatment.
When should you consult a doctor?
Consult a doctor if your child complains of pain near the bones, or if you notice any swelling. Early detection of a bone cyst can prevent potential fractures and bone deformities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it possible for a bone cyst to return after removal?
In most cases, the bone cyst does not return after treatment, but there is a percentage of those treated in whom the bone cyst may recur.
Is it possible for a bone cyst to turn into cancer?
