Ki-67 and p53 expression in ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma: a case report and literature review

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinomas are rare neoplasms that arise in the maxillary bones either from a calcifying odontogenic cyst or de novo. They are aggressive locally and can metastasize. We report herein a case of a ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma arising in the mandible of a Caucasian male 86 years of age. We have described the clinical and radiographic features, histological characteristics, immunohistochemistry findings, and surgical treatment. We especially focused on how Ki-67 expression guides the treatment choice. Finally, we reviewed 32 cases described in the literature and compared them with the cases described up until 2014 to help clinicians identify the diagnostic characteristics of and select appropriate treatment modalities for ghost cell odontogenic carcinomas.