They can sometimes shrink on their own, but in other cases, they can cause complications.
Hamartoma vs.
They are more common in men than in women.
Nephron / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
While some are hereditary, nobody knows for sure what causes many of these growths to occur.
Common Hamartoma Locations
Hamartomas can occur almost anywhere in the body.
They’re often discovered accidentally when chest imaging is done for some other reason.
Hamartomas can be difficult to distinguish from cancers but do have some characteristics that set them apart.
A description of popcorn calcification"meaning images that look like popcorn on a CT scanis almost diagnostic.
Calcifications (deposits of calcium that appear white on X-ray studies) are common.
Cavitation, a central area of tissue breakdown seen on X-rays, is uncommon.
Most of these tumors are less than 4 centimeters (2 inches) in diameter.
In addition to hamartomas, there are several other types of benignlung nodules.
Can Hamartomas Spread?
What Causes Hamartomas?
Hamartomas and Cowden Syndrome
Hamartomas often occur as part of the hereditary syndrome known as Cowdens disease.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of a hamartoma will depend on where it occurs.
Surgery
There has been much discussion over whether hamartomas should be observed or removed surgically.
Talking with a genetic counselor may also be recommended.
Otherwise, they can be left alone.
Hamartomas can be surgically removed if they’re causing problems.
While you await surgery, you may feel better if your symptoms are treated.
(This varies depending on the location and symptoms.)
Otherwise, no treatment is generally needed.
Rarely, hamartomas can become malignant (cancerous).
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