Peripheral Dentinogenic Ghost Cell Tumor- Diagnostic Challenge in a Gingival Epulis: Report of a Case with Update of all Dentinogenic Ghost Cell Cases Reported in English Literature

Abstract

Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT), a variant of the calcifying odontogenic cyst, is considered to be a benign epithelial and mesenchymal neoplasm containing aberrant epithelial keratinization, ghost cells, and spherical calcifications. While there can be peripheral and central variants of this entity, the extraosseous type is rarer and usually innocuous in its clinical presentation. The aim of this article is to report a case of peripheral DGCT on the maxillary anterior region in a 14-year-old female evolving for 5 years and to emphasize the importance of histopathologic examination of gingival growths to avoid diagnostic pitfalls. A compilation of all reported cases in the English literature till date with details on the site, size, age sex, symptoms radiographic features, treatment follow-up, and recurrences has been attempted for better understanding of the biologic nature of this rare neoplasm.