2017 Volume 63 Issue 5 Pages 251-255
Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor is a locally invasive neoplasm that forms ameloblastoma-like epithelial islands associated with dyskeratosis of ghost cells and formation of atypical dentin. It is commonly found in the jawbone, and occurrence outside the jawbone is relatively rare. We report a case of peripheral dentinogenic ghost cell tumor that developed in the mandible. A 71-year-old woman noted a rough surface of the left mandibular gingiva in April 2010. Gradually, the mass increased in size, and she was referred to our department in October 2010. At initial presentation, there was a pedunculated mass measuring 25 × 17 × 16 mm arising in the gingiva of the left molar region of the mandible. The tumor subsequently underwent a biopsy for detailed histopathological examination, and ameloblastoma-like epithelial islands were noted. Hence, the tumor was diagnosed as a peripheral ameloblastoma and was subsequently resected with the patient under general anesthesia. The tumor tissue exhibited dyskeratosis of ghost cells and the formation of atypical dentin in ameloblastoma-like epithelial islands that were not initially observed in the biopsy specimen. Finally, we diagnosed the tumor to be a peripheral dentinogenic ghost cell tumor. There have been no signs of recurrence during follow-up as of 5 year after surgery.
