Extracranial meningioma of the masticator space: a rare case report

Extracranial meningiomas in the head and neck region are rare, particularly in the masticator or infratemporal space without intracranial extension. We present a case of an isolated extracranial meningioma manifesting as a deep facial mass and treated successfully with surgical excision. A 47-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of progressive progressive fullness of the right midface without neurological deficits. MRI demonstrated a well-circumscribed, contrast-enhancing lesion measuring 2 × 1 cm in the right masticator space, hypointense on T1 and hyperintense on T2 sequences. Ultrasound-guided trucut biopsy suggested meningioma. The lesion was completely excised through an intraoral gingivobuccal approach. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. This case demonstrates that meningiomas may present as extracranial soft-tissue masses in the masticator region in the absence of neurological findings. Complete surgical excision with negative margins offers an excellent prognosis.