Melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy in the maxilla: a case report

A 4.5-month-old Chinese boy presented with a bulging mass in the anterior right maxillary region. Clinical features and incisional biopsy examination confirmed the diagnosis of melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy (MNTI). The lesion had first been noted a month before the biopsy. The extent of the lesion was defined via computed tomography, and surgical excision was accomplished through a partial maxillectomy under general anaesthesia. The patient has been irregularly followed-up over the past 8 years, and no evidence of recurrence has been found, either by clinical examination or serial computed tomography scans. A bony defect and a lack of alveolar process were noted on the right side of the anterior maxilla. The patient displayed social withdrawal at school as a result of his partial anodontia. There have only been a limited number of reports on the dental rehabilitation of postoperative MNTI. We report a case of maxillary MNTI in which the need for dental rehabilitation was emphasized.