Intramuscular hemangioma of the head and neck: report of a case involving the prevertebral muscles.

Intramuscular hemangioma, a distinctive type of hemangioma occurring within skeletal muscle, accounts for approximately 1% of all hemangiomas. Most occur in the trunk and extremities, perhaps due to the relatively larger muscle mass in those areas. This report describes the first case of an intramuscular hemangioma of the prevertebral muscles. Intramuscular hemangioma is seldom diagnosed preoperatively, perhaps due to unfamiliarity with this uncommon lesion. Preoperative diagnosis is important, however, to properly evaluate feeding arterial blood supply and prevent potential operative morbidity. Surgical excision represents the treatment of choice. Intramuscular hemangioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of deep head and neck masses.