Breast Hamartoma with Unusual Imaging Features.

Abstract

Introduction: Hamartomas are benign masses seen in different organs including breasts. These are well-defined masses with a pseudocapsule and variable tissues from the surrounding organ.It is an uncommonly reported benign breast lesion, the cause and pathogenesis of its development is still not fully understood. The tumour exhibits a female predominance with a mean age of 45.

Case description: We present two cases of breast hamartoma in 51 and 61 years old female who presented to us through screening and symptomatic clinics.Both cases had imaging findings typical for diagnosis of hamartoma however there was a distortion within the hamartoma which raised possibility of malignancy and prompted a core biopsy and MDT discussion.

Practical implication: Many hamartomas have typical benign imaging appearances and require no further investigation. Biopsy is needed in atypical looking hamartomas to exclude a breast carcinoma, which although rare may develop within a hamartoma. Multidisciplinary team discussion is crucial in the management of atypical cases to ensure radiological-pathological concordance.