Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy: a case report

A male patients, two months of age, was affected by a rapidly growing tumor on the left side of the mandible. There were no other clinical or pathological signs. A thorough examination, as well as radiographic, tomographic and tomodensitometric tests showed the presence of a tumor on the maxilla. It was of low density, encapsulated and shifting the germinal teeth. Surgical removal revealed a melanotic neuroectodermal tumor typical of that in children. The tumor recurred in the same location and was actually larger, less than a month after the operation. A new screening was done for vanilmandelic acid and radiographies of the skull base and skeletal series were negative. The patient was operated on again, with the same histological diagnosis. The diagnosis and treatment are discussed.