Malignant melanotic progonoma. One case.

Abstract

The development of a malignant tumour in a stillborn infant is reported. The tumour was localized to the maxilla and metastases to lymph nodes, liver, and adrenal glands were in evidence. By microscopy of the primary tumour the latter was found to be characterized by a sporadic occurrence of pigment; in addition, metastases to the adrenal glands were found to comprise fontana-positive cells. If these features be related to the localization of the tumour and the age of the patient it seems natural to suggest that it is a matter of a melanotic progonoma although this type of tumour previously has been considered a benign growth.