Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia attached to the masseter muscle

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare benign vascular tumor. The pathogenesis of ALHE is unknown; however, it may be linked to local trauma. ALHE predominantly occurs in areas of the preauricular region, forehead, and scalp; the masseter area is rarely involved. A 49-year-old man was referred for a mass in the right cheek region that was felt 2 months prior. Physical and imaging examination results suggested the presence of a benign tumor. Thus, surgical excision was performed. Pathologic findings confirmed an unexpected diagnosis of ALHE. This case was interesting, since the mass occurred at an unusual site with a misdiagnosis of an epidermal inclusion cyst.