subject: Bronchial adenoma and hamartoma [print this page] Hamartomas are tumour-like malformations of disorganizedtissue; in some the predominant tissue is cartilage,and in others smooth muscle. Unlike carcinoid tumours,hamartomas usually present over the age of 50. Malesare three times more likely to be affected than females.Hamartomas are usually peripheral within the lungparenchyma and seldom within the bronchus. They growslowly and are benign. Most are asymptomatic and areincidental findings on chest X-ray. The mass of the hamartomais usually small, less than 4cm in diameter, rounded,well defined and sometimes calcified. Cavitation is rare.In most cases in the absence of typical calcification, andwithout the benefit of past chest X-rays, a malignantbronchial carcinoma will be part of the differential diagnosisand the correct treatment will be surgical excision. Atsurgery the hamartoma is felt to be hard, can be removedwithout resecting lung, and the prognosis is excellent.
