title: Solid variant of aneurysmal bone cyst presenting as a giant cervical mass: A clinical, radiological, histopathological dilemma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Typical aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are osteolytic, multicystic lesions with parietal sclerosis and blood-filled cysts. In rare instances, the cystic components may be completely absent. Such solid variants in ABC (s-ABC) exhibit a solid architecture; making the clinical, radiological, and histological differentiation from other solid bone tumors like osteosarcoma (especially giant cell rich osteosarcoma) and giant cell tumor, a difficult task.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report the case of a 45-year-old male presenting with a giant solid cervical spine lesion. Histopathology revealed solid variant of ABC, even though the radiological and fine needle aspiration cytology studies pointed toward a giant cell tumor.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We aim to discuss the clinical, radiological, and histological findings of solid ABC (a rare benign entity) vis-à-vis the common neoplastic entities of osteosarcoma and giant cell tumor. The histopathological nuisances in making the diagnosis of s-ABC are put forth, along with its impact on management of such giant bony spinal lesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Amey R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Savardekar
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Deviprasad
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Patra
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Debajyoti
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chatterjee
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Chirag K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Ahuja
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
authors.forename: Pravin
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Salunke
keywords: Bony tumors of the cervical spine; pathology of solid variant of aneurysmal bone cyst; solid variant of aneurysmal bone cyst; spinal aneurysmal bone cysts