title: Intramuscular hemangioma of the masseter muscle- a case report and review of literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intramuscular hemangioma, is a distinctive type of vascular tumor occurring within the skeletal muscle. Most IMH are located in the lower extremity, particularly in the muscles of the thigh and rarely in head and neck region.
  
  
  METHODS
  35 years old male reported with a swelling in the left cheek region since 3 years. Clinical and radiological evaluation leads to the diagnosis of Intramuscular hemangioma. Surgical excision was performed and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Hemangiomas of skeletal muscle represent 0.8% of all benign vascular neoplasm Welsch and Hengerer, 1980 [4]. Of these 13.8% occur in the head and neck region, with the masseter muscle being the most common site, followed by the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles respectively. The lesions previously described as deep infiltrating angiolipomas have now been recognized by the WHO as intramuscular hemangiomas. numerous theories proposed for ethiopathogenisis of vascular lesions have been discussed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion, angiolipomas are rare in the head and neck region, and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses in these regions. Proper radiological and clinical examination will reveal the type of vascular lesion. Excellent results can be obtained with timely management and good surgical skills.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, KIMS (Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences) Hospital, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Electronic address: surejkumarlk@gmail.com.
authors: Surej
authors: S
authors: Kumar L K
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, KIMS (Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences) Hospital, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Electronic address: nikhilmkurien@gmail.com.
authors: Nikhil M
authors: NM
authors: Kurien
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, KIMS (Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences) Hospital, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Electronic address: kannan7072003@gmail.com.
authors: Kannan
authors: K
authors: Venugopal
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, KIMS (Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences) Hospital, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Electronic address: parvathinai@gmail.com.
authors: Parvathi R
authors: PR
authors: Nair
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India. Electronic address: drvinod_mony@yahoo.co.uk.
authors: Vinod
authors: V
authors: Mony
keywords: Hemangioma involving masseter muscle; Intramuscular hemangiomas; Vascular malformations