Lymphatic malformation of the masseter: A case report

Intramuscular vascular malformations are rare tumours occurring in less than 1% of skeletal muscles throughout the body, about 15% arising in the head and neck. Of these, lymphatic malformations are encountered to a lesser extent, being common in the tongue and the masseter being very rare. We present a case report of a lymphatic malformation of the masseter muscle in a 27 year old male. He presented with a swelling on his right cheek that had developed 1 year ago. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the lesion and Computed Tomography (CT) scans were done following which the provisional diagnosis of lymphatic malformation in the masseter was made. Surgical excision of the lesion was performed subsequently and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. It is very rare to find a lymphatic malformation in the masseter and with such late presentation. Follow up should be done to note for potential recurrence.