Live With a Bone Cyst
There are two types of bone cysts, unicameral and aneurismal. These cysts happen to anyone, but they are most commonly seen in children and young adults while their bones are still growing. Living with a bone cyst and determining treatment options depend on the type of cyst you have as well as your personal preferences. Read on to learn more.
Instructions
Unicameral Bone Cysts
1. Ask your doctor about treatment options for unicameral bone cysts. Unicameral bone cysts rarely have symptoms associated with their development. They usually exist unknown until there is a bone fracture in the area or until an X-ray is obtained of the area for another, unrelated issue. In the event that the bone cyst is asymptomatic and unicameral, further treatment is often deemed unnecessary.
2. Evaluate your lifestyle while contemplating treatment options for your unicameral bone cyst. If, for instance, you are a runner and have a bone cyst on your heel, be consciously aware of any symptoms that occur. Continue to evaluate the cyst with routine follow-up care.
3. Seek a second opinion. More than likely no treatment is necessary but if you are unsure, seek a second opinion.
Aneurismal Bone Cysts
4. Learn about aneurismal bone cysts. Aneurismal bone cysts generally occur in children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 20. While they occur in virtually any bone in the body, they are most commonly found in the vertebrae and the knee. This type of cyst is very rare.
5. Be aware of the symptoms of aneurismal bone cysts which include: pain, swelling, on occasion a mass that is felt, mild to severe neurological impairment (if the cyst is located on the spine) and bone fracture.
6. Decide upon a treatment method. Cysts considered "active" or "aggressive" need treatment due to their ability to harm the bone in which they reside or its neighboring tissue. Several factors play a part in deciding the treatment regime to follow including age, health, location of the cyst, tolerance of certain medication and therapies, how the doctor expects the disease to progress and your personal needs.
7. Be conscious of the fact that while this is a benign tumor that does not spread, the cyst reappears after bone grafting. It may take up to three operations before the cyst is cured. Bone grafting, or curettage, is often used to avoid removing part of a bone that is otherwise healthy. Living with an aneurismal bone cyst requires prompt medical attentions, aggressive therapy and continuous follow-up care
Tags: bone cyst, bone cysts, treatment options, aneurismal bone, aneurismal bone cysts, aware symptoms, bone cysts
