Aneurysmal bone cyst masquerading as unknown mandibular metastatic deposit causing pathological fracture.

UNLABELLED: The following is a case presentation of an aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) associated with a pathological fracture and coincidental finding of anaemia of unknown cause. The non-pathognomonic, extensive, mandibular, multilocular radiolucency, together with anaemia, raised the possibility of a neoplastic process. This case highlights clinical manifestations of ABC, as well as difficulties encountered in its diagnosis. The uncommon and potentially troublesome complication of a pathological fracture was treated by ensuring good reduction. Successful bone healing occurred despite the fixation period being significantly less than one month.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An awareness of the potential differential diagnoses of pathological mandibular fractures is important.