Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy.

The lack of knowledge regarding the histogenesis of the melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy may account for the numerous names given to this neoplasm. The most appropriate nomenclature is melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy as this term is both clinically descriptive and reflects its most likely histogenesis. The histological diagnosis of this neoplasm and its known benign biological behavior should be appreciated so that radical surgery or radiotherapy is not undertaken. Our case report includes an electron microscopic analysis which is in keeping with other reported cases. We have not confirmed high urinary VMA levels prior to resection of the lesion.