Aneurysmal Bone Cyst
Also written as: ABC — Aneurysmal Bone Cyst
A locally aggressive, expansile intraosseous lesion composed of blood-filled sinusoidal spaces separated by fibrous septa containing osteoclast-type giant cells, reactive bone, and occasionally solid areas.
Full Definition
Aneurysmal Bone Cyst (ABC) is a benign but locally destructive lesion that occurs in the jaws and other skeletal sites, characterised by blood-filled cystic spaces lacking an endothelial lining and separated by fibrous connective tissue septa rich in osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells. It may arise de novo (primary ABC) or secondarily within a pre-existing lesion such as giant cell granuloma or ossifying fibroma. In the jaws the mandible is more commonly affected. Editors must note that 'aneurysmal' is a misnomer—no true aneurysm is present—and should not alter the established term. The acronym ABC is widely used in bone pathology literature but should be expanded on first use to avoid confusion with unrelated uses of the abbreviation.
Usage
Usage note: Expand 'ABC' on first use; the acronym clashes with many non-medical usages. Do not write 'aneurysmal bone cyst' as 'ABC cyst' (redundant). Distinguish primary from secondary ABC in reports when the distinction is clinically documented.
In Context
- "The aspirate yielded frank blood, and the histological sections confirmed an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) with characteristic multinucleated giant cells." — Surgical Pathology Report
- "The editor flagged that the author's 'ABC' had not been expanded on first mention and risked being misread." — Journal Manuscript