Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma: A rare case report and review of literature

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Sep 22;102(38):e35225. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035225.

Abstract

Rationale: Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma is a rare malignant odontogenic carcinoma characterized by the presence of ghost cells. It has a nonspecific clinical and radiographic presentation and can be locally destructive and invasive, sometimes with distant metastases. However, no effective systemic therapy is currently recommended for such patients.

Patient concerns: The patient has been unable to undergo surgery or radiotherapy again. Therefore, he was referred to our department for a more aggressive, multimodal systematic treatment program.

Diagnoses: The histopathological examination was morphologically suggestive of ghost cell odontogenic carcinomas.

Interventions: We report a case of locally invasive primary inoperable odontogenic shadow cell carcinoma in a 31-year-old Chinese man who achieved treatment with Toripalimab and chemotherapy, followed by Toripalimab maintenance therapy after 6 cycles.

Outcomes: He achieved partial remission after treatment. The quality of life significantly improved after treatment. There were no grade 3/4 treatment-related adverse events during treatment.

Lessons: This case presented that Toripalimab and chemotherapy may be a safe and effective systemic therapy for ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma*
  • Humans
  • Jaw Neoplasms*
  • Male
  • Mouth Neoplasms*
  • Odontogenic Tumors* / diagnosis
  • Odontogenic Tumors* / therapy
  • Quality of Life