AN ABERRANT CASE OF INTRAMASSETRIC HEMANGIOMA: A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction: Intramassetric hemangioma (IMH), a rare variant of intramuscular hemangioma, is benign tumor of vascular origin affecting the masseter muscle and accounts for less than 1% of all hemangiomas. When occurring in the head and neck, the most common site of occurrence is the masseter muscle followed by the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscle. Most often it produces a diffuse swelling at the cheek that becomes prominent on clenching the teeth, which can be often mistaken for masseteric hypertrophy. CT scanning of most hemangiomas show the presence of calcified thrombi called phleboliths which are also seen in the masseterian variety.

Case Report: A 19-year-old female presented with the complaint of swelling in the left cheek region since 1 year which was slowing increasing in size over time. CT showed heterogeneously enhanced mass lesion of the left masseter with the presence of phleboliths. The mass was excised under general anaesthesia and verified to be intramassetric hemangioma of the left masseter muscle. Conclusion: intramassetric hemangiomas are a rare entity which can be easily mistaken for a more commonly occurring massetric hypertrophy. Careful radiographic and histopathological examination will help to attain a definite diagnosis.