Aneurysmal bone cyst mimicking unicystic ameloblastoma/keratocystic odontogenic tumor: A case report and review of literature

Aneurysmal bone cysts are rare benign lesions of bony tissue, infrequent in craniofacial skeleton but common in other structures like long bones and spine. In the jaws aneurysmal bone cysts are non-neoplastic but locally aggressive with occasional rapid growth and are difficult to differentiate from other multilocular lesions of jaws like ameloblastomas, keratocystic odontogenic tumors, ossifying fibromas, epithelial cysts, giant cell granulomas and sarcomas radiographically as well as clinically. They are composed of sinusoidal blood filled vascular spaces and surrounded by fibrous tissue septa. Treatment of choice ranges from conservative surgical excision of the mass with curettage or enucleation to resection when creates a large defect, primary surgical reconstruction is recommended.