Intramuscular cavernous hemangiomas arising from masseter muscles

Abstract

Intramuscular hemangiomas are rarely seen benign tumors, constituting %1 of all hemangiomas. They mostly occur in the trunk and extremities. They are uncommon in the head and neck region and arising most frequently from masseter and trapezius muscle. The patients usually complain about progressive and painless swelling in facial-parotid region. Due to its location, 90% of all intramuscular hemangiomas are misdiagnosed and often clinically mistaken as a parotid swelling. Radiologic images play important role for diagnosis of these hemangiomas.