Intramuscular haemangioma of the masseter muscle in a 9-year-old girl

Abstract

Intramuscular haemangioma are rare benign neoplasms which are usually asymptomatic until a growth spurt occurs in the second or third decade of life. The case of intramuscular haemangioma occurring in the masseter muscle of a 9-year-old girl is presented here. Magnetic resonance imaging and colour Doppler ultrasonography revealed the vascular nature of the lesion, and fine needle aspiration was strongly suggestive of the diagnosis and excluded other soft tissue tumours. Treatment options were reviewed and a "wait and watch" policy was adopted until her adolescence for excision in case of more invasive growth causing cosmetic problems and severe pain.