A Contemporary Approach to Classify Ghost Cells Comprising Oral Lesions

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Histopathology
• Odontogenic lesions

Background:

• Ghost cells are eosinophilic epithelial cells lacking nuclei but retaining cellular outlines.
• Their formation is linked to aberrant keratinization or coagulative necrosis.
• These cells are observed in various odontogenic lesions, including ameloblastomas and odontomas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the formation mechanisms of ghost cells.
• To propose a novel classification system for ghost cell lesions in the oral cavity.
• To enhance the academic understanding and organization of these pathological entities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on ghost cell formation and associated lesions.
• Analysis of histopathological features of ghost cell lesions.
• Development of a proposed classification system based on existing literature and proposed mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Ghost cell formation can result from abnormal keratinization or necrosis.
• A spectrum of odontogenic lesions exhibit ghost cells.
• The proposed classification aims to categorize these lesions systematically.

Conclusions:

• Ghost cell formation is a significant histopathological feature in odontogenic tumors and cysts.
• A standardized classification is needed for better diagnosis and research.
• This work provides a framework for organizing and understanding ghost cell-related oral lesions.