Recurrent Dentinogenic Ghost Cell Tumor: A Case Report

Objective: Rare diseaseBackground: Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is a rare, locally invasive odontogenic neoplasm, considered as a solid variant of the calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC). DGCT accounts for only 2% to 14% of all COCs and less than 0.5% of all odontogenic tumors. It is characterized by an ameloblastomatous odontogenic epithelium and the presence of ghost cells and dentinoid material.Case Report: A 42-year-old male patient presented to the clinic with recurrent pain and swelling in the left maxilla. The pa-tient had a similar presentation 3 years before, which had been managed by excisional biopsy and was misdi-agnosed as unicystic ameloblastoma. Examination revealed a mild swelling in the left cheek with boney expan-sion on the posterior area of the left maxilla, with mobility in adjacent teeth. Radiographic evaluation revealed a large, well-demarcated radiolucent lesion with a sclerotic border involving the left maxilla and associated with root resorption in the adjacent teeth. An incisional biopsy was performed, and a diagnosis of DGCT was made. Segmental maxillectomy with safe margins was conducted, considering the aggressiveness of this pathologi-cal entity. The defect was reconstructed using the buccal fat pad. Histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of DGCT, which was characterized by ameloblastomatous odontogenic epithelium, dentinoid materi-al, and ghost cells. One month follow-up revealed good healing of the surgical site. The patient was scheduled for regular follow-up.Conclusions: This case reports the aggressiveness and high recurrence rates of DGCT. It is recommended to treat DGCT ag-gressively with safe margins and a long-term follow-up.