Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma of the mandible: a case report demonstrating expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and vitronectin receptor

Treatment challenges of persistent ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma: a case report and literature review

The aim of this case report is to review and compare the clinical, radiologic, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical features, along with the treatment of a case of ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma. In addition, a report of the existing published literature with an emphasis on treatment will be described to provide information on this rare but aggressive tumor. The family of odontogenic ghost cell tumors comprises a spectrum of lesions characterized by odontogenic epithelium with ghost cell keratinization and calcifications. It appears that early detection is vital in proper treatment due to the high possibility of malignant transformation.

Ghost cells unveiled: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Ghost cells (GCs) are cells with distinct intracytoplasmic keratinization, which leads to the preservation of the cellular outline with a clear area corresponding to the previous nucleus location. GCs may show various patterns, such as degeneration, tissue granulation, and calcification. Their true nature and the mechanism regulating the conversion of odontogenic epithelial cells into GCs remain unclear. GC keratinization is different from normal keratinization as they are larger than keratotic squames, are frequently vacuolated, and have prominent nuclear membrane remnants. Few cystic lesions, odontogenic tumors, and non-odontogenic tumors, such as calcifying odontogenic cyst, craniopharyngioma, pilomatrixoma, odontoma, dentinogenic ghost cell tumor, and ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma, exhibit GCs as a typical feature. The Wnt and Notch signaling pathways play a role in the histogenesis of the neoplasms.

HIGHLIGHT

The review clarifies the various proposed hypotheses of the histogenesis of GCs, including molecular pathogenesis. Diagnostic workup for the identification of GCs, including special staining and immunohistochemistry, has been extensively discussed. A stepwise algorithm for identifying odontogenic and non-odontogenic lesions containing GCs has been proposed. Additionally, the prognostic role of GCs in the lesions has been elucidated.

CONCLUSION

Among the various hypotheses of the origin of GCs, we suggest that aberrant keratinization is the most accepted based on various immunohistochemical studies and special staining characteristics. GCs are a distinct characteristic entity of many odontogenic and non-odontogenic lesions; however, it remains controversial whether their presence has any pathognomonic role in the biological nature of these lesions.

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma of anterior mandible: A rare case report with review of literature

A 24-year-old male reported to the outpatient department with a complaint of swelling of the anterior lower jaw region for 9 months with history of traumatic injury and extraction of teeth from the same region, a month before the onset of swelling. Swelling was obvious extra- and intraorally which on examination presented as a soft to firm non-tender and non-fluctuant mass with an approximate size of 4 cm × 3 cm, extending from 34 to 43 region with obliteration of labial vestibule. Panoramic radiograph and cone-beam computed tomography showed a well-defined radiolucency in the mandibular anterior region crossing the midline with erosion of labial bony plates and root of 42 along with a tooth-like radiopaque mass within the lesion. Provisional diagnoses of odontogenic keratocyst, ameloblastomas, central giant cell granuloma and calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor were listed. The histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of lesion followed by the biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma.

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma of the jaws: Report of two cases and a literature review

BACKGROUND

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC) is a rare malignant odontogenic epithelial tumor with features of benign calcifying odontogenic cysts. Herein, we report two new cases of GCOC and systematically review the previous literature.

CASE SUMMARY

In case 1, a 46-year-old man complained of painless swelling of the right maxilla for 3 years, with a 1-mo history of hemorrhinia in the right nasal cavity. In case 2, a 72-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a chief complaint of painful swelling of the right mandible. Initially, the preliminary diagnoses were ameloblastomas. Thus, the two patients underwent resection of the tumor under general anesthesia. Finally, immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of GCOC. The patient in case 1 was followed for 2 years, with no evidence of recurrence. However, the patient in case 2 was lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSION

GCOC is a rare malignant odontogenic epithelial tumor with high recurrence. Local extensive resection is necessary for the definitive treatment of GCOC.

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma with suspected cholesterol granuloma of the maxillary sinus in a patient treated with combined modality therapy: A case report and the review of literature

RATIONALE

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC) is a rare malignant odontogenic tumor with aggressive growth characteristics.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 41-year-old Chinese male visited our hospital in 2013, with a 4-month history of bloody purulent rhinorrhea with a peculiar smell in the right nasal cavity.

DIAGNOSES

The patient suffered from recurrent GCOC with suspected cholesterol granuloma of the maxillary sinus. The patient was incorrectly diagnosed with a calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor at his first recurrence. Physical examination, radiological examination, and histopathology were used to identify GCOC.

INTERVENTIONS

Considering the recurrence of GCOC and poor effects of single surgery, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy were performed after radical surgical excision.

OUTCOMES

So far, no significant evidence has suggested recurrence or metastasis after a long-term follow-up.

LESSONS

We advocate wide surgery with clean margins at the first accurate diagnosis. Combined modality therapy could be taken for the recurrent GCOC. We expect to provide a new treatment strategy to prevent the growth of this neoplasm.

Ghost Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma Arising Denovo with Distant Metastasis: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Ghost Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma (GCOC) is a rare malignant odontogenic tumour of epithelial origin accounting about 0.37% to 2.1% of all odontogenic tumours. They are characterized by the presence of ameloblastic islands along with ghost cells representing aberrant keratinization. The aim of this case report is to present a rare case that was diagnosed in a 37-year-old male patient and to describe the behavior of the tumour.

Odontogenic ghost cell carcinoma with pulmonary metastasis

Odontogenic ghost cell carcinoma (OGCC) is an exceptionally rare malignant odontogenic epithelial tumor. It is characterized by ameloblastic-like islands of epithelial cells with aberrant keratinization in the form of ghost cells with varying amounts of dysplastic dentin. Malignant histological characteristics include infiltration, cellular pleomorphism, numerous mitosis and necrosis. Its biological behavior varies from slow-growing locally invasive lesions to rapidly growing highly aggressive tumors. OGCC metastasizing to distant sites is extremely rare. Only three cases of metastasis have been reported in literature. We are reporting the case of a 54-year-old male patient who presented with tender swelling in the malar region. Histopathological examination revealed OGCC and he received postoperative radiotherapy. Two years later, he presented with a lung mass. Biopsy from the lung lesion showed the same morphology as that of maxillary tumor with scattered ghost cells. This case points to the aggressive behavior of OGCC and its metastatic potential. It also highlights the need for long-term follow-up of these patients.

Malignant transformation of calcifying cystic odontogenic tumour - a review of literature

Calcifying cystic odontogenic tumour (CCOT) has been classified as an odontogenic tumour. Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC) is the malignant counterpart of CCOT. This paper aims to review the literature regarding malignant transformation of CCOT. A literature search was done via the National Library of Medicine PubMed interface, searching for articles relating to malignant transformation of CCOT. From these articles, references were obtained, and from their references lists, pertinent secondary references were also identified and acquired. After reviewing the literature, we found 26 cases of GCOC which developed from CCOT. Malignant transformation of CCOT was seen more commonly in the maxilla. Histologically, changes such as increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, atypical mitotic figures have been reported after malignant transformation. Immunohistochemical analysis has shown an increased expression of ki-67 and p53 in tumour cells. Malignant transformation of CCOT, although rare, mostly takes place in recurrent and long standing cases.

Pediatric Metastatic Odontogenic Ghost Cell Carcinoma: A Multimodal Treatment Approach

Odontogenic ghost cell carcinoma (OGCC) is a rare and aggressive tumor wherein optimal treatment remains uncertain. We report the first pediatric metastatic OGCC case treated with multimodal therapy: surgery, adjuvant chemoradiation, and adjuvant immunotherapy. Adjuvant therapy was utilized due to locally advanced disease with pathologic features indicative of high recurrence risk. This multimodal approach was modeled after management of primary head and neck cancer, where adjuvant chemoradiation and immunotherapy are associated with improved outcomes. Our patient is alive and disease free at 14 months indicating a potentially positive role for multimodal therapy in the management of OGCC.

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma: A rare case report and review of literature

Objectives: Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma is a rare condition characterized by ameloblastic-like islands of epithelial cells with aberrant keratinitation in the form of Ghost cell with varying amounts of dysplastic dentina. Material and Methods: We report a case of a 70 year-old woman with a rapid onset of painful swelling right maxillary tumor. Magnetic resonance showed a huge tumor dependent on the right half of the right hard palate with invasion of the pterygoid process and focally to the second branch of the trigeminal. Radiological stage was T4N0. The patient underwent a right subtotal maxillectomy with clear margins. Adjuvant radiotherapy was given. The patient was free of residual or recurrent disease 12 months after surgery. Results: The tumor was 3,9cm in diameter. It was spongy and whitish gray. Microscopically the tumor was arranged in nets and trabeculae, occasionally forming palisade. Tumoral cells had clear cytoplasm with vesicular nuclei. There was atipia and mitosi with vascular and perineural invasion. The excised tumor was diagnosed as a GCOC. Conclusions: Ghost cell carcinoma is a rare odontogenic carcinoma. Its course is unpredictable, ranging from locally invasive tumors of slow growth to highly aggressive and infiltrative ones. Wide surgical excision with clean margins is the treatment of choice although its combination with postoperative radiation therapy, with or without chemotherapy, remains controversial.

Key words:Ameloblastic carcinoma, calcifying odontogenic cyst, Ghost cell carcinoma, keratinizing epithelial odontogenic cyst, maxillary tumor, odontogenic carcinoma.

Ki-67 and p53 expression in ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma: a case report and literature review

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinomas are rare neoplasms that arise in the maxillary bones either from a calcifying odontogenic cyst or de novo. They are aggressive locally and can metastasize. We report herein a case of a ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma arising in the mandible of a Caucasian male 86 years of age. We have described the clinical and radiographic features, histological characteristics, immunohistochemistry findings, and surgical treatment. We especially focused on how Ki-67 expression guides the treatment choice. Finally, we reviewed 32 cases described in the literature and compared them with the cases described up until 2014 to help clinicians identify the diagnostic characteristics of and select appropriate treatment modalities for ghost cell odontogenic carcinomas.

Current Concepts and Occurrence of Epithelial Odontogenic Tumors: II. Calcifying Epithelial Odontogenic Tumor Versus Ghost Cell Odontogenic Tumors Derived from Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors (CEOTs) and ghost cell odontogenic tumors (GCOTs) are characteristic odontogenic origin epithelial tumors which produce calcifying materials from transformed epithelial tumor cells. CEOT is a benign odontogenic tumor composed of polygonal epithelial tumor cells that show retrogressive calcific changes, amyloid-like deposition, and clear cytoplasm. Differentially, GCOTs are a group of transient tumors characterized by ghost cell presence, which comprise calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor (CCOT), dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT), and ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC), all derived from calcifying odontogenic cysts (COCs). There is considerable confusion about COCs and GCOTs terminology, but these lesions can be classified as COCs or GCOTs, based on their cystic or tumorous natures, respectively. GCOTs include ameloblastomatous tumors derived from dominant odontogenic cysts classified as CCOTs, ghost cell-rich tumors producing dentinoid materials as DGCTs, and the GCOT malignant counterpart, GCOCs. Many authors have reported CEOTs and GCOTs variably express keratins, β-catenin, BCL-2, BSP, RANKL, OPG, Notch1, Jagged1, TGF-β, SMADs, and other proteins. However, these heterogeneous lesions should be differentially diagnosed to allow for accurate tumor progression and prognosis prediction.

Predictive factors of potential malignant transformation in recurrent calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor: review of the literature

Calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor (CCOT) demonstrates considerable diversity in histopathology and clinical behavior. Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC) is the rare malignant counterpart of CCOT and it frequently arises from malignant transformation of a recurrent CCOT. In this paper, we present a case of CCOT and discuss its distinct histopathologic features in recurrence. Then, we will have a review on clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical aspects of GCOC in the literature. Predictive factors of malignant transformation in a benign CCOT will also be discussed.

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma arising from calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor: a case report

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC) is an exceptionally rare and malignant odontogenic tumor with aggressive growth characteristics. We describe a case of GCOC which was considerably derived from a previously resected calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor (CCOT). Cellular atypia, mitotic activity, Ki-67 labeling index and matrix metalloprotease-9 positive expression rate were all increased in the currently resected specimen compared to the initial one. This is a rare case of malignant transformation of CCOT to GCOC with respect to its histopathological and immunohistochemical findings.

[Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma of the mandible]

INTRODUCTION

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor that occurs both in the mandible and maxilla. It has a variable non-specific clinical and radiological appearance. The authors report a mandibular case.

CASE REPORT

A 89-year-old man consulted for swelling of the left lower mandible and gums having developed over the previous 8 months. The lesion was 6cm long, ulcerative and budding, bleeding on contact. Radiological assessment revealed blurred contour osteolysis with extension to the mouth floor and sub-mandibular compartment. Histological examination of the surgical piece supported the diagnosis of ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma. The tumor recurred 2 months later and the patient died 6 months after surgery.

DISCUSSION

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma is a rare lesion. The patient was very old. Clinical and radiographic signs were unspecific. Histopathology proved the diagnosis. Evolution was unpredictable due to the wide spectrum of growth patterns. Extensive radical surgery is mandatory due to the high risk of recurrence.

Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor: a case report and review of the literature

Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor is a rare odontogenic neoplasm. To date only 31 cases have been reported. We present a case of dentinogenic ghost cell tumor arising at much younger age of 14 in a female patient. This article reviews the cases reported in various case reports and in studies done so far on dentinogenic ghost cell tumor. It will also provide an insight into the actual number of cases of this rare tumor.

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma arising in calcifying odontogenic cyst

A case of exceptionally rare odontogenic malignant tumor, called ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma, is described. The tumor was considered to be derived from calcifying odontogenic cyst, which had been resected 5 years before. In the present resected specimen, cellular atypia, mitotic activity, Ki-67 labeling index, and p53 positivity were all increased in comparison with the initially resected specimen. This is a valuable case in which malignant transformation from calcifying odontogenic cyst to ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma was proven by the histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings. Pathologists should be aware of this rare entity.