Aneurysmal Bone Cyst
An aneurysmal bone cyst is a type of non-cancerous (benign) lesions that develops in the bone. The lesion has blood filled in it and tends to grow and expand. Moreover, it is a true benign tumor rather than just a cyst.
Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) mostly affect the areas around the pelvis, knee, or spine, although they can occur in any bone. Moreover, they grow much quicker, even though they are not cancerous. Thus, you need to test them immediately.
Causes.
There is no known cause of what leads to this cancer. However, researchers recently figured that ABCs have a link with a mutation of the ubiquitin-specific peptidase 6 (USP6) gene that exists in chromosome no 17.
In addition to this, research is going to better understand this cancer. For instance, researchers are studying the relationship between genetic mutations and this cancer.
Symptoms.
Several symptoms are related to this disease. Furthermore, these symptoms may vary from person to person.
Pain in the area of the tumor.
Stiffness
Swelling
The deformity may be present at the site of the tumor.
The affected area feels warm.
Weakness, or stiffness of the body part
A tumor affects the motion of the body.
Testing and Diagnosis?
Treatment of aneurysmal bone cyst becomes necessary as it causes fractures, pain, certain neurological symptoms, and disrupts growth.
Thus, your doctors will use a variety of tests and tools to diagnose an aneurysmal bone cyst. Also, your doctor will thoroughly examine your body physically. These include;
X-rays. After a physical examination, your doctor will order you an x-ray. This takes an image of the affected area of your body. If anything suspicious is found in the x-ray, then your doctor will order other tests.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI is done when you lie still and flat on a plain surface. Then, this surface will take you inside an MRI machine that has a tube shape. To create a detailed, 3-D image inside your body, it uses radio waves and a magnetic field.
Computed tomography (CT) scan. Similar to the MRI, your doctor may also perform a CT scan. It connects with a computer and takes pictures.
EOS imaging. This Imaging technology can create models that are 3 dimensional from just 2 flat images. In this technique, your technician will take an image in an upright or standing position. This enables a better diagnosis because of a better position.
Needle biopsy. In this procedure, your doctor is going to insert a small needle into your lesion, and your skin. Thus, he/she will withdraw a little sample from the abnormal tissue. Then your physician will analyze the tissue to confirm any findings.
Angiography. This is a test that resembles a radiograph-type X-ray test. In this test, your doctor reveals information about organs and blood vessels.
Besides helping diagnose a particular type of tumor, these tests help to detect the location and size of your tumor. Therefore, it becomes quite crucial to collect all the information. This way you can choose the best option to treat your child.
Treatment.
Many treatment options are available for an aneurysmal bone cyst. Furthermore, some children may need a combination of various therapies.
You can utilize the services of various oncology, orthopedic and other specialists for special care of your child. This way you can get the best outcomes. Various treatment options include;
Intralesional curettage. In this method, your surgeon removes a tumor by completely scrapping the cyst lining and bone.
Intraoperative adjuvants. Various other methods and chemicals are also helpful. For instance, your doctor may use cauterization (burning the tumor bed), cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), or phenol (a chemical) for removing microscopic tumor cells.
Bone grafting. In this procedure, after the removal of a bone, your doctor replaces the missing bone. He/she may use a cadaver bone or an artificial graft material to do so.
Furthermore, depending on the location and size of the tumor that your doctor is removing, you may go home on the same day. However, you may need to stay one day more in the hospital depending upon your condition.
Moreover, in some particular conditions, your doctor may recommend you some nonsurgical techniques to control the tumor. If it is tough to reach the place of the tumor, then nonsurgical techniques or an intralesional injection may be the best options. An interventional radiologist is going to perform this procedure.
Surgical safety.
For such tumors, surgery is often highly effective. However, surgery could be a stressful experience for both family and the patient.
Thus, you need to prepare for your surgery accordingly. Thus, make sure that you use better practices during surgery. To increase the positive outcomes and decrease the risk of infection, use a better outcome.
You can ask your doctor for procedures and results. He/she will guide you to better results.
Coping and support
When you get diagnosed with aneurysmal bone cyst, it could be frightening for you. The condition will be no different for your family.
However, you may learn to cope with the uncertainty and distress related to cancer with time. Thus, you need to follow these instructions until then;
Call on for medical support:
Various things are going to help you. For instance, the knowledge and understanding of a medical social worker, or any other mental health professional is necessary. They will help you in understanding your cancer.
Furthermore, if your child or other family member suffers from cancer, you need to ask health care professionals for advice. They will provide you with options for medical health support. This will also provide you with emotional and social support.
In addition to this, you can check various online services that will provide you support to combat cancer.
- Gain more knowledge about aneurysmal bone cyst to make decisionsabout control and care:
Ask your doctor about various treatment options related to aneurysmal bone cyst. Little knowledge is dangerous. Therefore, more confidence in understanding and making decisions about treatment options will be there with you. So you should always learn more about the disease.
Ask the health care team for guidance if your child has cancer. Therefore, get more and more information for appropriately caring for the patient.
Be close to your friends and family:
A close and strong relationship with your family and friends is necessary. It will help you deal with aneurysmal bone cyst.
You need practical support, moral support from your friends and relatives. Thus, someone should be there for you to look after the family. Emotional support from them is going to matter most. Thus, a healthy and happy person will ultimately efficiently fight the disease.
Prepare for your appointment
You are likely to start making an appointment with your primary care doctor if some signs and symptoms worry you. Ask for a referral to an experienced specialist if your doctor suspects aneurysmal bone cyst.
A team of specialists typically can treat. For instance;
Orthopedic aneurysmal bone cyst surgeons or orthopedic oncologists who have specialization in operating bone cancers.
Doctors who have a specialization in treating cancers with systemic medications or chemotherapy.
Pathologists diagnose the specific type of cancer by analyzing a tissue.
Rehabilitation specialists who after surgery help in the recovery of a tumor.
What you should expect from your doctor:
You will face several questions from your doctor. Thus, you should be ready to answer these. So, give more time to your doctor to address them. Your doctor may ask;
What signs and symptoms concern you more?
Have your symptoms been occasional or continuous?
When did you start to notice the symptoms?
The severity of your symptoms?
Is there anything that improves your symptoms?
Is there anything that worsens your symptoms?
Do you have any family or personal history of cancer?