Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor in the Maxilla of a Seven-month-old Boy:
A Case Report
 
 
 
 
 
 
M.R. Ashab Yamin[1], M. Kimiae Talab[2]
 
Received: 25/12/2016  Sent for Revision: 25/02/2017    Received Revised Manuscript: 08/07/2017              Accepted: 12/07/2017
 
 
Background and Objectives: Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare, usually benign neoplasm of neural crest origin. MNTI usually arises in infants within the first year of life. The tumor is usually observed in head and neck areas especially in maxilla; however it has been reported in other areas such as hip, bone marrow, and ovary as well. It usually appears as a soft tissue swelling, frequently affecting bone.  The tumor is aggressive and grows rapidly, and results in tooth displacement. In plain radiographs, MNTI appears as intrabony expansive areas of radiolucency, usually with poorly demarcated margins.Computed tomography (CT) scans provide important information regarding the extent of the lesion, thereby assisting in the development of a surgical plan.
Case Report: The patient was a 7-month -old infant. According to his family, they found out about the existence of a small tumor in anterior maxilla 4 months before referring to the medical center, which in this period of time had grown very quickly. The patient did not have any other problem except eating difficulty.He went under surgery and a sample was taken and sent for pathological examination. The result reported a melanotic neuroectodermal tumor. The infant was under observation for 2 years and no recurrence was observed.
Conclusion: Neuroectodermal tumor is a rare and locally aggressive tumor, thus early diagnosis and treatment is very important to prevent its vast invasion.
Key words: Aggressive maxillary tumor, Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor, Neoplasm, Infancy
 
How to cite this article: Ashab Yamin MR, Kimiae Talab M. Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor in the Maxilla of a Seven-month-old Boy. J Rafsanjan Univ Med Sci 2018; 16(11): 1089-94. [Farsi]