Ghost cell

Ghost Cell is a term used in various fields of medicine and dentistry, referring to an abnormal cell type that exhibits distinctive characteristics. These cells are typically found in association with certain pathological conditions, particularly in the context of odontogenic tumors, such as the Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst (COC) or the Calcifying Cystic Odontogenic Tumor (CCOT), and in other lesions like the Pilomatricoma (also known as Calcifying Epithelioma of Malherbe).

Characteristics

Ghost cells are so named because of their pale, eosinophilic appearance in histological sections, which gives them a "ghost-like" quality. They are characterized by a loss of nuclear detail, which means that the cell's nucleus is either not visible or only faintly discernible. Despite this, the outline of the cell remains well-defined, preserving the shape and size typical of the cells from which they originate. This distinctive appearance is due to the coagulative necrosis of the cell's cytoplasm while retaining the cell membrane's integrity.

Pathogenesis

The exact mechanism behind the formation of ghost cells is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve abnormal keratinization processes. In the context of odontogenic tumors, such as the CCOT, these cells are thought to arise from the neoplastic epithelial cells undergoing a form of aberrant keratinization, leading to the calcification of the cell's cytoplasm.

Clinical Significance

The presence of ghost cells is a key diagnostic feature in certain pathological conditions. For instance, in the diagnosis of CCOT, the identification of ghost cells within the lesion can help differentiate it from other types of cystic lesions or tumors in the jaw. Similarly, in the case of pilomatricoma, the presence of ghost cells among the tumor's epithelial cells is a hallmark of the condition.

Treatment and Prognosis

The treatment of conditions associated with ghost cells typically involves surgical excision of the lesion. The prognosis depends on the specific condition and the extent of the lesion at the time of diagnosis. For benign conditions like the CCOT, complete surgical removal usually results in a good prognosis with a low recurrence rate. However, the presence of ghost cells in other, more aggressive tumors may indicate a different treatment approach and prognosis.

See Also

• Odontogenic tumor
• Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst
• Pilomatricoma
• Keratinization

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Ghost cell for any updates.

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