Neuromuscular hamartoma of the occipital nerve: clinical report

Neuromuscular hamartoma is a rare benign tumor consisted of well-differentiated striated muscle fibers within mature neural elements. Though most cases are composed of solitary masses associated with major peripheral nerves, multiple tumors or subcutaneous tumors without any association with peripheral nerves have also been reported. Twenty-three neuromuscular hamartomas of various anatomical locations have been reported in English literature. There have been no reports of this tumor in association with the occipital nerve. An interesting case of neuromuscular hamartoma of the occipital nerve is presented and previous reports about this rare pathology is reviewed.