An evaluation of a bone cyst begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in those with a bone cyst may include

• Tenderness over a bone
• Swelling over a bone
• Difficulty walking if a leg bone is involved
• Severe bone pain and deformity if a fracture has occurred

Testing is required to detect the presence, type and severity of the bone cyst.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a bone cyst include:

• Alkaline phosphatase blood level
• Calcium blood level
• AST (SGOT) level
• Bone x-rays:
• Usually the first test to detect a bone tumor
• Bone biopsy:
• Sample of bone cells to determine the presence of cancer
• Nuclear bone scan:
• Can easily detect abnormal areas of bone
• CT scanning of the bones:
• Shows many abnormalities of bone
• MRI scanning of the bones:
• Gives the best detail of soft tissues