WHEN Ali Pilossoph noticed a white lump on her newborn’s gums, she simply assumed it was a tooth coming through.
But, within one week, it had doubled in size and Ali “knew in the pit of her stomach” something more sinister was growing.
Ali Pilossoph, pictured pregnant with her son Theo here, thought a white lump on his gum was a tooth but was shocked to discover it was a tumour Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph
Ali grew concerned when the white lump doubled in size in just one week and she knew something more serious was wrong Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph
Ali, from Miami , US , spotted the white cyst in January 2026 – just a little over a month after Theo was born.
At first, she claims no doctors or dentists could tell what the lump was and were constantly referred from one place to another without any answers.
After phoning “hundreds” of medics, Ali eventually came across a surgeon an hour away.
They agreed to remove the in spite of Theo’s age.
Ali spotted the cyst a little over a month after Theo was born and at first, no doctors or dentists knew what it was Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph
Ali said she phoned hundreds of medics until she eventually found one who agreed to operate on her son’s cyst Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph
Ali, 29, had no choice but to agree but says: “When we arrived, we were suddenly told the procedure would cost $35,000 because our had denied it.
“We were in complete shock.
“After nearly two hours of arguing with the hospital and insurance, it was eventually covered – but that was only the beginning of an incredibly difficult day.”
As it turns out little Theo’s cyst was actually a tumour of which there are only 500 known cases worldwide, according to the National Institutes of .
When Theo went down for surgery, doctors discovered the cyst was actually a tumour of which there are only 500 known cases worldwide Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph
Theo’s surgery was only meant to take 15 minutes, but Ali was left waiting for two hours before she heard anything Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph
Ali says: “The day of the surgery was already overwhelming before we even knew it was a tumour.
“Theo got called into surgery and I was told it would take 15 minutes.
“After two hours, we finally got a call to say everything was going well.
“I prayed for my little boy; but then they called back to say it wasn’t a cyst – it was a tumour.
“Seeing Theo wake up from surgery is something I will never forget.
“There’s truly nothing that can prepare you for watching your baby in that kind of pain – confused and crying in a way I had never heard before.
“It was absolutely heartbreaking.
“I’m grateful he’s so young that he won’t remember it.
Theo was diagnosed with melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy (MNTI) Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph
MNTI is a rapidly growing but benign tumour and little is known about what causes it Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph
“But I know it’s something I will carry for the rest of my life.”
Theo was diagnosed with melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy (MNTI).
It’s a rapidly growing benign tumour that affects only those under one-year-old.
As it’s so rare, there’s little-to-no research on what causes it.
Theo’s tumour was successfully removed, but there is a risk that it could return Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph
As part of the surgery, part of Theo’s jawbone and some baby teeth had to be removed Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph
Ali says: “The surgeon said in his 35 years of practising, he had never seen something like this before – and thought he never would as it’s so rare.
“It was breaking my heart knowing my little boy was suffering.”
Now, even though the tumour has been removed, it’s unclear if it will return.
Luckily, it hasn’t caused any life-threatening issues, though its impact is life-changing.
Doctors are hopeful that Theo’s jawbone will grow back as his gums already have Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph What is melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy (MNTI)?
Melanotic neuroectodermal tumour of infancy (MNTI) is a rare benign tumour that usually occurs between two and six months of age.
About 92 per cent of cases recorded are below the age of 12 months and while 82 per cent are below the age of 6 months, a BMJ report says.
The tumour is predominantly found in the premaxilla – a pair of small bones at the front of the upper jaw.
As the condition is so rare, there’s very little, if any, research on what causes it.
MNTI is usually addressed with surgery but relapses after removal of the tumour are common, according to Science Direct .
Ali said: “The doctors had to remove some of his jawbone, baby and potentially permanent teeth.
“We’ll likely have to get some for this as he gets older.
“But the doctor is hopeful his jawbone will grow back, as his gums already are.
“I am worried it might affect his facial symmetry and he’ll have potential speech issues, so we’ll see a specialist doctor if it comes to it.”
Ali hopes to share Theo’s stressful ordeal in a bid to raise awareness for the signs to look out for – especially before it’s too late.
She added: “After everything, I feel like my is heightened.
Ali has shared Theo’s stressful ordeal to try and raise awareness about what signs to look out for Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph
Ali has urged other parents to trust their intuition when it comes to their child Credit: Jam Press/@ali_pilossoph
“Even something small, like him having , makes me pause and wonder if it’s something more.
“When I do feel unsure or worried, I don’t sit on it. Trust your intuition. Don’t wait and hope it’ll get better on its own.
“In our case, everything progressed very quickly. Had we waited any longer, the impact could’ve been much more severe.
“I knew in my heart something was wrong. The pit in my stomach was telling me it wasn’t just a tooth.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
