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. 2021 Jan-Apr;25(1):195-197.
doi: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_112_21. Epub 2021 May 14.

Ghost cell

Snehal Uttam Chavhan  1 , Sonal S Dhanawade  1 , Chetan Fukate  1 , Shivani P Bansal  2
Affiliations

Ghost cell

Snehal Uttam Chavhan et al. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2021 Jan-Apr.

Abstract

Ghost cells (GCs) have been a curious topic since a great deal of time. Extensive research has been done to deduce the true characteristics and formation of these cells. GCs are balloon-shaped, elliptical, pale eosinophilic epithelial cells with pyknotic nuclei, leaving only a faint outline. In routine H and E staining, these cells give shadowy appearance and hence are also called shadow cells or translucent cells. The present article is an attempt to describe in detail about the origin, microscopic appearance, staining property, immunohistochemistry profile and diagnostic importance of GCs.

Keywords: Masson's trichrome stain; ghost cell; hematoxylin and eosin; shadow cell; translucent cell; van Gieson stain.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
H&E-stained ghost cells are swollen, pale, with pyknotic nuclei and faint cellular outline (×10). Inset magnified (×40) H and E view of ghost cells
Figure 2
Figure 2
Light brown ghost cells in van Gieson stain (×10). Inset magnified (×40) view of ghost cells
Figure 3
Figure 3
Dark red stained ghost cells in Masson's Trichrome stain (×10). Inset magnified (×40) view of ghost cells
Figure 4
Figure 4
Corresponding hand draw illustration of ghost cells
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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