Case Report

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy - a case report of a rapidly enlarging maxillary mass.

Olugbemi B Akintububo, Olufemi K Ogundipe, Olujide O Soyele, Umaru H Pindiga and Yusuf M Abdullahi
World Journal of Pathology 2016, 5:4

Abstract

Introduction

The melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare benign neoplasm that primarily affects the maxilla of infants during their first year of life. It is a rapidly growing lesion, clinically aggressive and surgery is the mainstay of treatment with proven efficacy.

Case Presentation

A case of maxillary MNTI in a 5-month-old male infant treated by radical surgery is reported here. Both extraoral and intraoral findings showed a massive swelling with multiple ulcerations of the overlying mucoas. Radiographs showed an ill defined mixed radiolucent radiopaque lesion. Histopathological examination showed biphasic microscopical presentation consisting of aggregates of small neuroblastic cells surrounded by the larger pigmented cells.

Conclusions

MNTI is a rare, rapidly progressive pigmented lesion that commonly affects the anterior maxilla. Other differentials should be carefully considered in arriving at a diagnosis. Wide surgical excision with margin of normal tissue is the mainstay of treatment.

Key Words

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy, Surgery

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