Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy: A Clinicopathological and BRAF V600E Mutation Study of 11 Cases

Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy in the Epididymis: A Case Report

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare, benign neoplasm of neural crest origin that predominantly involves the craniofacial region, involvement of the epididymis being extremely rare, with about 30 cases reported. We report an unusual case of a 5-month-old male with MNTI in the epididymis. The patient underwent orchiectomy. Half a year later, there was no sign of recurrence. Whether preoperative examination or intraoperative frozen examination, the tumor may easily be misdiagnosed as malignancy. Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy should be included in differential diagnosis in infants presenting with fast-growing scrotal swelling.

Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy: A Case Image

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare benign neoplasm that can be mistaken for malignancies due to its unfamiliarity among clinicians and aggressive clinical appearance. We herein contributed by reporting an additional case of MNTI characterized by an extensive extraoral protrusion in a 2-month-old infant. The lesion involved the anterior maxilla, cheek, and infraorbital region, resulting the displacement of the nose to the contralateral side, and measuring approximately 10 cm in size. Surgical resection of the lesion was performed. After a 6-month follow-up, the patient has shown no evidence of recurrence. The rapid growth and aggressive behavior of MNTI emphasize the importance of an early diagnosis and prompt intervention in order to achieve favorable outcomes.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy in the mandible: A case report

RATIONALE

Melanocytic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare benign pigmented neoplasm that arises from the neural crest and has an aggressive growth pattern. It is predominantly seen in infants under 1 year of age, and the most common site of involvement is the maxilla. The currently accepted treatment is removal by surgical resection. Herein, we report a case of MNTI that involved the anterior alveolar ridge of the mandible in a 6-month-old infant.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A case of a 6-month-old male child with a huge mass in the anterior alveolar ridge of the mandible.

DIAGNOSIS

The tumor was diagnosed using histopathological and immunohistochemical techniques on the biopsy specimen obtained following incisional biopsy. Based on the findings, a final diagnosis of MNTI was established.

INTERVENTIONS

Radical resection of the tumor was performed, after determining the extent of resection by referring to the mandibular 3D model created using the pre-operative CT data.

OUTCOMES

The postoperative course was uneventful, and no recurrence has been observed to date for more than 4 years after surgery.

LESSONS

This case emphasizes that early diagnosis and radical surgery are critical to the effective treatment, as MNTI exhibits rapid and destructive growth. It also requires careful and close follow-up because of high recurrence rates.