Odontogenic ghost cell carcinoma.

An unusual malignant odontogenic tumor containing large numbers of ghost cells is described. A 46-year-old white man had an aggressive lesion of the right maxilla, multiple pulmonary nodules developed, and he died 1 year after initial diagnosis. Histologic features included columnar odontogenic epithelium, malignant epithelium, microcysts, masses of ghost cells with focal calcification, and small areas of "dentinoid." The relationship is explored between this tumor and calcifying odontogenic cysts, particularly the "dentinogenic ghost cell tumor" variant.