Pulmonary Hamartomas and Associated Tumorigenesis
Summary
Pulmonary hamartomas are the most common benign tumours of the lung, typically discovered incidentally as well-circumscribed “coin” lesions on chest imaging. They consist of disorganised but mature mesenchymal elements—including cartilage, adipose tissue, fibrous stroma and entrapped respiratory epithelium—reflecting a developmental malformation rather than true neoplastic proliferation. While most remain indolent, rare subtypes such as mesenchymal cystic and chondroid hamartomas can mimic malignancy both radiographically and clinically. Endobronchial hamartomas may present with airway obstruction, haemoptysis or recurrent infection. Although malignant transformation is exceptional, studies of associated tumourigenesis have explored clonal chromosomal rearrangements, gene fusions and activation of growth pathways, which may overlap with those driving primary lung cancers. Surgical excision via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery or bronchoscopic techniques serves both diagnostic and therapeutic roles. Longitudinal data indicate a negligible rate of intrinsic malignant degeneration, yet epidemiological links to synchronous or metachronous lung carcinomas underscore the importance of tailored surveillance in high-risk individuals.
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Pulmonary Hamartomas and Associated Tumorigenesis publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in pulmonary hamartomas and associated tumorigenesis across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Pulmonary hamartoma: A benign lung lesion composed of mature mesenchymal tissues in a disorganised arrangement.
Mesenchymal elements: Connective-tissue derivatives, including cartilage, adipose tissue and fibrous stroma.
Endobronchial hamartoma: A hamartoma arising within the bronchial lumen, potentially causing obstruction.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS): A minimally invasive surgical technique using small chest incisions and a camera to perform lung resections.
Tumourigenesis: The process by which normal cells acquire genetic and epigenetic changes leading to benign or malignant growth.
References
- Pulmonary Hamartoma Associated With Lung Cancer (PHALC Study): Results of a Multicenter Study. Lung (2021).
- Malignant Degeneration of Biopsy-Proven Hamartoma to Chondrosarcoma. Cureus (2020).
- Large mesenchymal cystic and chondroid pulmonary hamartoma mimicking lung cancer: Case report. Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery (2023).
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