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Cell Death Associated with Abnormal Mitosis Observed by Confocal Imaging in Live Cancer Cells
Published on: August 21, 2013
Odontogenic ghost cell carcinoma: a case report with reference to the relation between apoptosis and ghost cells
1Department of Oral Pathology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, Korea. jink@yumc.yonsei.ac.kr
Summary
This study investigates odontogenic ghost cell carcinoma, a rare malignancy. Findings suggest ghost cells in this tumor undergo abnormal terminal differentiation, potentially linked to apoptosis.
Area of Science:
- Oral Pathology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The calcifying odontogenic cyst has neoplastic variants with malignant counterparts, including odontogenic ghost cell carcinoma.
- Odontogenic ghost cell carcinoma is a rare odontogenic tumor with aggressive behavior.
Observation:
- A case of odontogenic ghost cell carcinoma in a 33-year-old man presented as a destructive mandibular mass.
- Histological examination revealed proliferation of atypical epithelial cells admixed with ghost cells and ameloblastic differentiation.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemical analysis showed ghost cells expressed Bax protein, while adjacent nucleated cells expressed Bcl-X(L) and Bax.
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay indicated apoptosis in some nucleated cells near ghost cells.
Implications:
- The study suggests ghost cells in odontogenic ghost cell carcinoma may represent an abnormal terminal differentiation process related to apoptosis.
- Understanding the role of apoptosis in ghost cell formation could offer insights into the pathogenesis of this rare malignancy.
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