Dentinogenic Ghost Cell Tumor in an Elderly Female: A Rare Case Report

Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is an uncommon odontogenic neoplasm that accounts for less than 0.5% of all tumors with odontogenic origin. Its rarity, along with identical radiological and clinical features as other odontogenic lesions, often makes the diagnosis challenging. The current case report discusses the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features of DGCT in a 71-year-old female patient presenting with facial swelling and pain in the maxillary anterior region. Clinical examination revealed a hard, tender, localized swelling from the infraorbital to the zygomatic regions. Intraoral exam revealed a sessile swelling buccopalatally extending and involving the labial vestibule and hard palate. Imaging showed a unilocular, expansile lytic lesion with hyperdense contents and a thinned cortex, suggestive of odontogenic pathology. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of DGCT on the basis of ghost cells with calcification, ameloblastoma-like epithelial islands, and dentinoid material in connective tissue. Treatment was done by wide local excision with a maxillary obturator prosthesis. Six-month postoperative follow-up showed no recurrence or complication. This case highlights the importance of combining clinical, radiological, and histopathological examination to diagnose rare odontogenic tumors like DGCT. Despite being benign, the tumor's aggressive potential demands radical resection and extended follow-up for monitoring recurrence. The case also highlights the importance of raising awareness among clinicians to achieve optimum diagnostic yield and patient outcomes.