[Benign cystic bone lesions]

Abstract

Background: Bone cysts are benign tumor-like lesions which often present as a fluid-containing cavity in the bone. They can occur in the skeletal bone as solitary or sometimes multiple bone lesions.

Objectives: This review discusses the diagnostics, radiological appearance and therapeutic strategies of the most important benign cystic bone lesions, such as simple bone cysts, aneurysmal bone cysts, intraosseous ganglia, epidermoid cysts and subchondral cysts. The differential diagnoses with respect to cystoid formations and tumors with cystic components are discussed.

Method: A selective literature search was performed taking own experiences into consideration.

Results: These tumor-like lesions can have the radiological appearance of bone tumors but show no autonomic, stimulus-independent growth and can resolve spontaneously. In the majority of cases open biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases no surgical intervention is necessary (e.g. do not touch and leave me alone lesions), whereas in other cases the focus of treatment is on the prevention and therapy of pathological fractures as well as prevention of recurrence.

Conclusion: Cystic bone formations are among the most commonly occurring non-traumatic bone lesions. To eliminate differential diagnostic unclarity, histological investigation of biopsy material is essential. In terms of surgical intervention there exists a trend towards multimodal therapy mostly based on a meticulous curretage.