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.
Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.