Published online Apr 24, 2019. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v10.i4.192
Peer-review started: August 9, 2018
First decision: October 5, 2018
Revised: March 15, 2019
Accepted: April 8, 2019
Article in press: April 9, 2019
Published online: April 24, 2019
Processing time: 258 Days and 10.5 Hours
Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is an uncommon locally invasive odontogenic neoplasm. It is considered to be a solid variant of calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC). This tumor makes up for only 2%-14% of all COCs and less than 0.5% of all odontogenic tumors which owes to its rarity. The purpose of this paper was to describe a case of DGCT and the treatment adopted in our case, and to provide a review of this case in the indexed literature.
In this article, we discussed a case of 18 year old male who reported with a chief complaint of a recurrent swelling and dull aching pain in upper left back region of the jaw. Computed tomography scan was carried out which revealed hypodense lesion with a few hyperdense flecks within it suggesting the presence of calcification. On incisional biopsy, diagnosis of COC was given. After segmental resection of the lesion, histopathogically odontogenic epithelium was noted along with calcifications, ghost cells and dentinoid material. Special staining was done with van Gieson and it showed pink areas of dentinoid material and yellow colour represented ghost cells. Hence, amalgamation of careful clinical examination, use of advanced radiographic imaging and detailed histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of DGCT. The patient was followed up for one year and there was no recurrence of the lesion or signs of any residual tumor.
Radical treatment should be carried out along with mandatory long-term follow up in order to avoid recurrence in aggressive lesions.
Core tip: There is diversity in the differential diagnosis of a variety of odontogenic cysts and tumors. A detailed case history, use of advanced radiographic imaging techniques and appropriate histopathological examination remains the mainstay for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning of a lesion. Adequate surgical intervention is required for aggressive lesions like dentinogenic ghost cell tumor. Treatment with enucleation might lead to recurrence of this tumor. Hence, patients should be treated with more radical approach and should be kept on long- term follow up.