Lymphatic malformation of the masseter: A case report

Area of Science:

• Head and Neck Surgery
• Vascular Surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• Intramuscular vascular malformations are rare, affecting less than 1% of skeletal muscles.
• Lymphatic malformations are less common vascular malformations, with rare occurrences in the masseter muscle.
• Head and neck region accounts for 15% of intramuscular vascular malformations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of lymphatic malformation in the masseter muscle.
• To highlight the diagnostic and management approach for this rare condition.
• To emphasize the rarity of masseter lymphatic malformations and their late presentation.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 27-year-old male with a cheek swelling.
• Diagnostic workup included fine needle aspiration (FNA) and Computed Tomography (CT) scans.
• Surgical excision of the masseter lesion followed by histopathological confirmation.

Main Results:

• Histopathological examination confirmed a lymphatic malformation of the masseter muscle.
• The patient presented with a one-year history of cheek swelling.
• This represents a rare instance of masseter lymphatic malformation with a late onset.

Conclusions:

• Lymphatic malformation of the masseter muscle is exceptionally rare, particularly with late presentation.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on imaging (CT) and FNA, with surgical excision as the definitive treatment.
• Long-term follow-up is essential to monitor for potential recurrence of the malformation.