pulmonary hamartoma
Last reviewed 01/2018
Hamartomas are common, benign lung tumours that often are discovered incidentally on chest x-ray. They are mesenchymal in origin and are usually composed of mature, hyaline cartilage.
Most are found in middle aged or elderly patients, usually men. They are rarely symptomatic.
On chest x-ray, the hamartoma is usually seen as a circular, well defined radiopacity that is located peripherally. Most are 1-3 cm in diameter. It may be described as a "coin lesion". Occasionally, hamartomas are endobronchial or multiple.
Treatment is by surgical resection. The prognosis is excellent.