The diagnosis and treatment of intramuscular hemangiomas of the masseter muscle

Abstract

Two cases of hemangioma of the masseter muscle are presented with a review of the literature. The possibility of an intramuscular hemangioma should be considered in any lateral facial swelling, particularly one anterior to the parotid. Total excision of the hemangioma with a margin of normal muscle is recommended. The approach utilized by the authors is a preauricular incision with elevation of a flap lateral to the parotid gland. This provides an excellent exposure for removal of the tumor with minimal risk to the facial nerve and minimal cosmetic deformity.