Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy arising in the skull: a case report

Pan Afr Med J. 2024 Feb 12:47:62. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2024.47.62.42413. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy is a rare and usually benign neoplasm occurring in children of young age. This pigmented tumor typically presents in the head and neck region, but other locations may be involved. We report in this article a rare case of a 3-month-old girl presenting with a slowly growing mass localized in the anterior fontanelle. The patient's magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a mass extending both extracranial and intracranial, and compressing the adjacent structures. The patient underwent subtotal resection of the mass and a histological study confirmed the diagnosis of melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy. The patient presented later on with a recurrence. An early diagnosis and surgical management for these tumors remain the only guarantees to limit the progression and prevent their recurrence and metastasis.

Keywords: Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor; calvaria; case report; melanotic progonoma; skull.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Neuroectodermal Tumor, Melanotic* / diagnosis
  • Neuroectodermal Tumor, Melanotic* / pathology
  • Neuroectodermal Tumor, Melanotic* / surgery
  • Skull Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Skull Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Skull Neoplasms* / surgery