Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy involving the mandible: 7-year follow-up after hemimandibulectomy and costochondral graft reconstruction

Oral and maxillofacial tumors occur rarely in the pediatric population compared with the adult population. We report a case of a 6-months old female infant suffering from a melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy involving the mandible, Tumor resection was performed using a submandibular approach; the mandibular defect was reconstructed primarily with autogenous costochondral grafts. During a 7-year follow-up period, there has been no tumor recurrence. The costochondral graft healed well; tracing of panoramic radiographs at 2, 3, and 6 years documented some vertical overgrowth and growth retardation in the transversal dimension. The authors conclude that the use of costochondral grafts despite its controversial role for mandibular reconstruction can be recommended in particular after continuity resections in newborn infants. However, long-term follow-up is necessary as well as secondary corrective surgery at early skeletal maturity.