Multicentric melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy: a case report

Abstract

J Korean Assoc Oral Maxillofac Surg 2010;36:434-7) A melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a uncommon osteolytic pigmented neoplasm that primarily affects the jaws of newborn infants. Most patients (> 90%) present with the tumor in the first year of life. Approximately 65% form in the maxilla, 11% in the mandible, 5% in the brain and elsewhere. MNTI is normally benign, but up to 15% may recur and a few have metastasized. Approximately 200 cases of M NTI have been reported but only 2 of them presented as multifocal. A case of MNTI in a 7 month old boy was encountered. The chief complaint w as maxillary anteri- or ridge swelling. The incisional biopsy findings were MNTI. Two months after the first operation, mild swelling of another sit e was observed. The infant was examined periodically since undergoing two procedures with no recurrence. This case demonstrates the possibility of a multicentric MNTI. We report a multicentric MNTI with a review of the relevant literature.