An Alternate Method of Fabrication of an Obturator in a Patient Diagnosed with Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy

Abstract

The quality of treatment and rehabilitation for the pediatric head and neck cancer patient has greatly improved due to interdisciplinary management. Surgical resection of maxilla leads to functional impairment which can be adequately restored with an obturator. However, its fabrication can be challenging in a pediatric patient. A simple, practical, and time-saving procedural modification in the fabrication of obturator in a patient diagnosed with rare melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy has been presented.

Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumour of Infancy - A Case Report and Review of Literature

“…[ 4 ] Infants usually present with a painless, nonulcerative bluish-black gingival mass that is often confused with an eruption cyst. [ 5 ] In our case, it was a 2-year-old female who presented with a dome-shaped sessile mass present in the right anterior maxillary alveolar ridge.…”

“…Although vanillylmandelic acid level in a 24-h urine collection, is elevated in 10%–15% of MNTI,[ 5 6 ] it is of low diagnostic value. Clinically, MNTI appears as a rapidly expanding, nonulcerated mass.…”

“…The recurrence rate in both genders after a 5-year postoperative period was similar and the overall incidence of local recurrence is 15%–27%. [ 5 7 ] Infants who manifested within the first 2 months of birth were associated with a high risk of recurrence which generally occurred within 6 months from treatment. [ 3 7 ]…”