Ghost Cell
An altered epithelial cell with an eosinophilic cytoplasm and no nucleus, leaving only a cell 'outline'; a pathognomonic histological feature of calcifying odontogenic cyst and related lesions.
Full Definition
Ghost cells are aberrantly keratinised epithelial cells that have lost their nuclei, leaving a pale eosinophilic 'shadow' or outline of the cell wall visible on haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained sections. They are the hallmark histological finding in the calcifying odontogenic cyst (Gorlin cyst), calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour variants, and dentinogenic ghost cell tumour. Editors must ensure the term is hyphenated as 'ghost cell' when used as a compound modifier (e.g., 'ghost-cell lesion') and must not confuse it with 'shadow cell', which is the synonymous term used in pilomatrixoma. In oral pathology reports, identifying ghost cells correctly affects classification of odontogenic versus non-odontogenic lesions.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate as a compound modifier ('ghost-cell tumour') but not as a standalone noun ('ghost cells were present'). Do not conflate with the broader term 'shadow cell' from dermatopathology except when directly cross-referencing pilomatrixoma.
In Context
- "Microscopic examination revealed sheets of ghost cells with focal dystrophic calcification, confirming a calcifying odontogenic cyst." — Oral pathology histology report
- "The term 'ghost cell' should be hyphenated when used as a modifier—e.g., 'ghost-cell lesion'—but not when used as a standalone noun phrase." — Pathology editorial style guide