Hamartoma and Benign Tumor-like Lesions

Pulmonary hamartomas are benign neoplasms comprised of various mesenchymal components. The presence of chondroid calcification (popcorn appearance) and/or macroscopic fat can be diagnostic of hamartoma. Very slow growth is an expected finding. Treatment of pulmonary hamartoma is usually conservative. Surgical resection can be considered if the CT findings are nondiagnostic, if biopsy is inconclusive, or if the lesion demonstrates rapid growth. Surgery should also be considered in patients with central lesions and postobstructive atelectasis or infection. Hamartomas account for the majority of benign lung neoplasms. Other benign neoplasms occurring in the lungs and airways include lipoma, chondroma, and leiomyoma and are very rare. If a pulmonary chondroma is diagnosed, additional investigation should be considered to exclude concurrent leiomyosarcoma and extraadrenal paraganglioma (Carney Triad).