Intramuscular hemangioma: a benign tumor masquerading as malignant soft tissue tumor. Report of two cases

We report two cases of intramuscular hemangiomas, one arising from the left flank region of a 33-year-old female, and another from the mid right back of a 25-year-old man. In both cases the tumor masqueraded as malignancy and required a biopsy for correct diagnosis. Intramuscular hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor. Its tendency to deep location, infiltrative border, and fixity to surrounding tissues may cause it to be confused with malignant soft tissue tumors. Preoperative biopsy of the lesion is advised, and histopathologic examination is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis. Wide excision of the lesion is the treatment of choice. Follow up is required for any late recurrences.