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Case Reports
. 2013 Oct;4(4):559-62.
doi: 10.4103/0976-237X.123091.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy: A rare case report

E Rajendra Reddy  1 , M Suresh Kumar  2 , Rajesh Aduri  1 , N Sreelakshmi  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy: A rare case report

E Rajendra Reddy et al. Contemp Clin Dent. 2013 Oct.

Abstract

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a relatively uncommon osteolytic-pigmented neoplasm that primarily affects the jaws of infants. The early onset and its rapid disfiguring spread necessitate early diagnosis. A 4-month-old male child reported with the complaint of swelling in the right back tooth region of the upper jaw, which rapidly increased in size causing disfigurement of the face. Radiographic examination showed a diffuse osteolytic radiolucent lesion in the right maxilla and displacement and dysmorphic changes in the developing primary tooth buds. Wide surgical excision was performed under general anesthesia. Histopathological report revealed characteristic large pigmented epitheloid cells (melanocyte like cells). The biphasic tumor cell population arranged in a background of fibrous connective tissue stroma is suggestive of MNTI involving the cancellous bone. Early diagnosis and management of such aggressive tumors precludes significant morbidity of the patient.

Keywords: Benign tumor of infancy; melanotic epithelial odontome; melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy; melanotic prognoma; pigmented ameloblastoma; retinal anlage tumor; vanillylmandelic acid.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pre-operative extra-oral view
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pre-operative intra-oral view
Figure 3
Figure 3
Pre-operative computed tomography scan image frontal view
Figure 4
Figure 4
Pre-operative computed tomography scan image lateral view
Figure 5
Figure 5
Low power microscopic view showing tumor cells arranged in alveolar pattern
Figure 6
Figure 6
High power magnification view showing epithelioid cells containing pigment (melanocyte like cells)
Figure 7
Figure 7
Post-operative extra-oral view
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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