The aneurysmal bone cyst is a solitary cystic lesion of bone was first described as a distinct clinicopathologic entity by Jaffe and Lichtenstein in 1942. The lesion is usually found in the long bones and vertebral column. The lesion is rare in the jaws. We present a case of aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandible.
A 9-year-old girl was referred with swelling of the left side of the mandible. She had noticed the swelling approximately 1 year previously. She first visited on other oral surgeon who operated with the diagnosis of ameloblastoma, but operation was discontinued because of profuse hemorrhage. Subsequently the swelling had increased and she was referred to our clinic.
On examination, the patient was found to be generally in good health. There was an expansion of the left body of the mandible. Intraoral examination revealed a relative firm swelling, extending from the lower left central incisor to the retromolar region in the left side, buccaly and lingually. The mucosa over the area was normal. Palpation disclosed a bony hard expansion of the mandibular cortex, and eggshell crepitus was present in the region of the lower left canine and the first premolar. Radiographs revealed a multilocular radiolucent area, extending from the lower right second incisor to the retromolar region in the left side. Angiography of the left common carotid artery showed normal findings. Full blood examination and serum analysis were within normal limits. Exploratory aspiration was performed and bloody contents were obtained continuously.
Under general anesthesia, the left inferior alveolar artery was ligated, and then all cystic tissue was removed from the cavity by careful curettage intraorally. Histologically, the lesion consists of a fibrous connective tissue stroma containing numerous capillaries and blood filled spaces. In some regions, new bone formation and diffuse hemorrhage were seen. A few giant cells were present. The lesion was diagnosed as an aneurysmal bone cyst. There were no signs of recurrence 2 years after operation and radiograph revealed regeneration of bone in the area of the lesion.
