A radiolucent lesion was found incidentally on a dental panoramic radiograph in a 30-year-old man. The cyst was located in the lower molar area above the inferior alveolar canal and showed a scalloped outline extending between the roots of the teeth. All teeth in the area were vital and the lamina dura was intact. Clear straw-coloured fluid was aspirated from the lesion

Solitary bone cyst (SBC), also known as simple bone cyst, is a benign bone lesion that most commonly occurs in children and adolescents. While the exact cause of SBC is still unknown, it is believed to be the result of a disturbance in the normal bone remodeling process.

SBC typically presents as a painless swelling or bump in the affected bone, often discovered incidentally on routine imaging. Diagnosis is usually made by imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, as well as fine needle aspiration to confirm the presence of fluid within the cyst.

In many cases, SBCs will heal on their own without the need for any intervention. However, if the cyst is causing significant pain or functional impairment, or if it is at risk of fracturing or expanding and causing further damage to the bone, treatment may be necessary.

Treatment options for SBC include observation, which involves monitoring the cyst with regular imaging studies to ensure that it is not growing or causing any problems; curettage, which involves surgically removing the cyst and filling the cavity with bone graft material to promote healing; or injection of bone-stimulating agents such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) to promote healing and prevent recurrence.

The decision on whether to intervene or not will depend on various factors, including the size and location of the cyst, the age of the patient, and the presence of any associated symptoms or complications.