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Correspondence to Author: Antonione Santos Bezerra Pinto. (orcid.org/0000-0002-6577-2816)
João Marcus Vaz Soares Castro. (orcid.org/0009-0005-3205-1253)
Alan Leandro Carvalho de Farias. (orcid.org/0009-0006-5625-9099)
João Fernando Araújo Lages. (orcid.org/0009-0007-8712-5306)
Jean de Pinho Mendes. (orcid.org/0000-0002-6811-9548)
Ayrton Galvão de Araújo Júnior. (orcid.org/0000-0002-3737-0094) . 

1. AFYA Faculdade Parnaíba Piauí, Brazil.
2. Universidade Estadual do Piauí – Parnaíba Campus, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil.
3. Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Sobral, Sobral, CE, Brazil.
4. Universidade Estadual do Piauí – Parnaíba Campus, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil.
5. Universidade Estadual do Piauí – Parnaíba Campus, Parnaíba, PI, Brazil.
6. Medical Student at Afya Faculdade Parnaíba Brazil.

DOI: 10.52338/wjccr.2025.5146

Abstract:

Ghost Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma (GCOC) is a rare malignant neoplasm of odontogenic epithelium, characterized by aggressive behavior and distinctive histological features, including ghost cells and infiltrative growth. This study reports the case of an 80-year-old male patient who presented with right facial swelling and nasal obstruction. Computed tomography revealed an expansive, heterogeneous mass with cystic areas and coarse calcifications, causing bone destruction in the right maxillary region. Histopathological analysis showed odontogenic epithelial tissue, ghost cells, inflammatory infiltrate, and dentin deposits. Immunohistochemical studies confirmed an epithelioid neoplasm with atypia, mitotic figures (6/10 HPF), and diffuse positivity for cytokeratin, supporting the diagnosis of GCOC. Radiotherapy was initiated but discontinued after six sessions due to clinical deterioration, culminating in the patient’s death. This case underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of GCOC, reinforcing its aggressive nature, the role of immunohistochemistry in differentiating it from dentinogenic ghost cell tumor, and the importance of early diagnosis for improved prognosis

Keywords: Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma, Ghost Cells, Odontogenic tumors.

Citation:

Dr. Antonione Santos Bezerra Pinto, Rare Maxillary Neoplasm With Odontogenic Differentiation And Malignant Behavior: A Case Report. World Journal of Clinical Cancer Research 2025.