Intramuscular cavernous hemangioma arising from the masseter muscle.

INTRODUCTION

Only 10% of intramuscular hemangiomas (IMH) are located in the head and neck region. There are very few reports of masseteric location. The present study of a case of intra-masseteric cavernous hemangioma discusses clinical presentation, paraclinical diagnostic workup and treatment options.

CASE REPORT: A 70-year-old male patient consulted for a swelling of 2 years' evolution, anterior to the left parotid gland. The swelling was firm, painless, well-contoured, oblong, 3 cm on its long axis, and located in the masseter muscle. There was no effect of head position on tumor volume. MRI showed a vascular tumor. Surgical resection was performed via parotidectomy. There were no postoperative complications. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma.

DISCUSSION: Head and neck IMH is commonly located in the masseter muscle. Evolution is slow. Size is variable, contours are well defined and the surface is smooth. MRI is essential ahead of treatment, which is surgical on an external or intra-oral approach.