PERIPHERAL DENTINOGENIC GHOST CELL TUMOR: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Peripheral dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is a rare benign mixed epithelial and mesenchymal odontogenic neoplasm, with approximately 52 cases reported in the literature. A 48-year-old woman was referred for evaluation of a painless, slow-growing swelling in the mandible caused by a removable denture that evolved over 1 year. Her medical history was unremarkable. Intraoral examination showed a pinkish, firm nodule, with erythematous areas, in the left mandibular alveolar ridge. Panoramic radiographic examination revealed no signs of bone involvement. Under the diagnostic hypothesis of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, an incisional biopsy was performed. Histopathologic analysis disclosed sheets and islands of odontogenic epithelium, with areas closely resembling ameloblastoma. Ghost cells, dentinoid material, and inflammatory foreign body reaction with multinucleated giant cells were also observed. The final diagnosis was peripheral DGCT. Treatment consisted of surgical excision, and no signs of recurrence were detected after 2 months of clinical follow-up.