Peripheral dentinogenic ghost cell tumor—report of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Peripheral dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is a rare and non-aggressive benign odontogenic tumor. They usually affect the elderly and are predominantly located in the anterior region of the jaws. Their differential diagnosis includes reactive/inflammatory gingival lesions. We report here two cases of peripheral DGCT in a 73-year-old female and a 48-year-old male patient and review the cases published in the literature. Both lesions presented as a nodular lesion in the mandible, and panoramic radiography showed no abnormalities. Microscopically, it was observed to be an ameloblastomatous epithelial proliferation associated with clusters of ghost cells and dysplastic dentin. Immunohistochemistry revealed positivity for cytokeratin 19 and a low Ki-67 proliferative index. Based on histopathological features and the absence of radiographic findings, a diagnosis of peripheral DGCT was rendered. The low number of cases published of peripheral DGCT makes case reports important in providing information that helps in their diagnoses and management.