What are hamartomas?
ANSWER
Hamartomas are the most common type of benign lung tumor and the third most common cause of solitary pulmonary nodules. These firm marble-like tumors are made up of tissue from the lung's lining as well as tissue such as fat and cartilage. They are usually located in the periphery of the lung.
Reviewed by Sabrina Felson on October 12, 2019
SOURCES: University of Rochester Medical Center: "Pulmonary Nodules." Medscape: "Can Malignant and Benign Pulmonary Nodules Be Differentiated With Diffusion-Weighted MRI?" MedlinePlus: "Solitary Pulmonary Nodule." EMedicine from WebMD: "Benign Lung Tumors," "Hamartoma, Lung," and "Solitary Pulmonary Nodule." MacMahon, H et al. "Guidelines for Management of Small Pulmonary Nodules Detected on CT Scans: A Statement from the Fleischner Society," Radiology 2005; vol 237:pp 395–400.
SOURCES: University of Rochester Medical Center: "Pulmonary Nodules." Medscape: "Can Malignant and Benign Pulmonary Nodules Be Differentiated With Diffusion-Weighted MRI?" MedlinePlus: "Solitary Pulmonary Nodule." EMedicine from WebMD: "Benign Lung Tumors," "Hamartoma, Lung," and "Solitary Pulmonary Nodule." MacMahon, H et al. "Guidelines for Management of Small Pulmonary Nodules Detected on CT Scans: A Statement from the Fleischner Society," Radiology 2005; vol 237:pp 395–400.
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.