Analysis of ghost cells in calcifying cystic odontogenic tumors by confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The confocal laser scanning microscope represents an effective tool for studying biological samples stained for fluorescence observation. In this study we have used the confocal microscope to analyze ghost cells in calcifying cystic odontogenic tumors.

STUDY DESIGN:

Specimens from 15 calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor cases were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and scanned by a confocal laser scanning microscope to generate optically sectioned images.

RESULTS:

All of the analyzed samples presented autofluorescent cells that were identified as ghost cells. The degree of autofluorescence intensity was variable and may be a result of the presence of hard keratin.

CONCLUSION:

The confocal laser scanning microscope may be of help in analyzing and defining the nature and extent of keratinization processes in calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor ghost cells.

• Authors: Alberta Lucchese, Michele Scivetti, Giovanni Pietro Pilolli, Gianfranco Favia
• Journal: Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod) Vol. 104 Issue 3 Pg. 391-4 (Sep 2007) ISSN: 1528-395X [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 17188527 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Fluorescence
• Humans
• Jaw Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging, pathology, ultrastructure)
• Male
• Microscopy, Confocal
• Middle Aged
• Odontogenic Cyst, Calcifying (diagnostic imaging, pathology, ultrastructure)
• Radiography