Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (pigmented melanoameloblastoma)

The paper describes a large pigmented maxillary tumor in a 46-day-old infant. The histological examination showed the tumor to be a melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI). No raised urinary levels of vanilmandelic acid could be shown. The tumor was surgically removed and during a 5 1/2-year follow-up period there was no clinical evidence of recurrence. The origin, behavior and treatment of these rare tumors are discussed.