Solitary Bone Cyst and Aneurysmal Bone Cyst: Perplexing Pseudocysts of the Jaws

Abstract

Pseudocysts of the jaws include two very significant lesions – Solitary bone cyst (SBC) and Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC). Both these cysts have very similar clinical and radiological findings. Histopathology aids in differentiating the two pathologies, with MRI findings offering confirmatory diagnosis of ABC. Differentiating between the two cysts and establishing a definitive diagnosis cannot be over emphasised as prognosis depends on the correct treatment modality after the diagnosis. A lot of updates with regards to the treatment of these cysts in long bones is available, with the same lacking in the cysts of the jaws. This probably could be due to the relative rarity of these cysts in the jaws. This article aims to address the various aspects of these two enigmatic pseudocysts of the jaws. Keywords: Pseudocysts, Solitary Bone Cyst, Aneurysmal Bone Cyst, Pathogenesis, Hemorrhage, Head & Neck, Oral