Diagnostic challenges in pulmonary hamartomas: a case series

Pulmonary hamartoma, despite its benign nature, can pose diagnostic challenges due to imaging findings that mimic malignancy. This case series discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties in pulmonary hamartomas. These three cases that are presented here were surgically managed under suspicion of malignancy and one case was diagnosed as a typical carcinoid tumor postoperatively. The study retrospectively evaluated four cases referred for surgery due to suspected malignancy. The cases were analyzed in terms of radiological, surgical, and pathological findings. Three cases showed benign features but were operated on due to suspected malignancy and former history of malignancy, and were confirmed as hamartomas on pathology. One case, despite radiological features suggesting benignity, was identified as a typical carcinoid tumor postoperatively. Pulmonary hamartomas, despite their benign nature, can mimic malignancy and rarely undergo malignant transformation. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach, surgical resection, and histopathological examination are essential for accurate diagnosis. Incorporating genetic analyses could enhance the diagnostic process further.