Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Publication Date

2015

Journal Title

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is an exceptionally rare neoplasm. Despite their potential for local invasion, MNTI are considered benign neoplasms. Sporadic cases have been reported of MNTI acting in a malignant fashion; however, the majority of these tumors were of extragnathic origin. METHODS: A 2-month-old male presented with a rapidly expanding maxillary mass. The patient underwent excisional biopsy of the mass and a diagnosis of MNTI was returned. Tumor recurrence was appreciated postoperatively. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was initiated to render it more amenable to surgical resection. Chemotherapy was suspended prematurely and the patient returned to the operating room for hemimaxillectomy. The postchemotherapy surgical pathology report demonstrated a unique mixed chemotherapy response. DISCUSSION: This report highlights the aggressive nature of gnathic MNTI, the importance of early diagnosis and definitive intervention, and the mixed clinical and histologic response of the lesion to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Volume Number

124

Issue Number

2

Pages

97-101

Document Type

Article

EPub Date

2014/07/18

Status

Faculty, Northwell Researcher

Facility

School of Medicine; Northwell Health

Primary Department

Otolaryngology

Additional Departments

Dental Medicine; Molecular Medicine

PMID

25030945

DOI

10.1177/0003489414543070

For the public and Northwell Health campuses

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