Aneurysmal bone cyst of the mandible.

The aneurysmal bone cyst is a nonmalignant lesion that by expanding disrupts the architecture of the affected bone and destroys surrounding tissue. Developing rarely in the craniofacial region, and more commonly affecting the long bones and the spine, the lesion has characteristic radiographic features but is definitively diagnosed only by pathologic characteristics. Complete surgical excision is used to treat aneurysmal bone cyst, with either curettage or composite resection. Recurrence is common in incompletely excised lesions. Adjunctive cryotherapy reduces the risk of recurrence, and radiotherapy is reserved for nonresectable lesions. The case we report of a young man seen for a large mandibular aneurysmal bone cyst demonstrates the complexity of diagnosing and treating this condition.