Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy: Presentation of a case

Abstract

The melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a fairly rare, benign, pigmented lesion with a rapid expansile growth and a high recurrence rate that commonly occurs in the anterior maxilla of infants younger than 1 year and mainly in the first 6 months of life. Microscopically, large polygonal epithelioid cells resembling melanocytes, with variable deposits of melanin, and smaller neuroblast-like round cells characterize MNTI. Malignant transformation may occur. The tumor was first described by Krompecher in 1918 as a congenital melanocarcinoma. In 1992, the designation "MNTI" was accepted by and used in the World Health Organization classification of odontogenic tumors. One such case was diagnosed in the department of oral pathology and microbiology and is presented.

Keywords

• benign
• diagnosis
• maxilla
• melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy
• odontogenic tumors