Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy of the shoulder in a 4-month-old infant: Case report

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare, benign yet locally aggressive tumor, that typically arises in the maxillofacial region in young infants. We report a 4-months-old male child presented with 2 months history of a swelling in the right shoulder. Imaging revelated a mass in close contact with the aponeurosis of the deltoid and biceps muscles, initially suggestive of a sarcomatous origin. Immunohistochemistry study was done confirming the diagnosis of MNTI. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy reduced tumor volume enabling safe and complete resection preserving neurovascular and shoulder function. MNTI should be considered in the differential diagnosis of aggressive soft tissue or bone masses in infants, even in atypical locations such as the shoulder.