hamartöse

Hamartose is a term used in medicine to describe a benign, tumor-like malformation of mature, specialized cells and tissues that are normally present in the affected organ. These growths are not true neoplasms, meaning they do not arise from uncontrolled cell proliferation. Instead, they are thought to result from a congenital error in development, leading to an overgrowth or disorganization of normal tissue components. The term itself originates from the Greek word hamartia, meaning "error" or "flaw."

Hamartomas can occur in various parts of the body, including the lungs, liver, brain, skin, and bones. Their clinical presentation depends heavily on their location and size. Many hamartomas are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging studies for other conditions. However, larger hamartomas can cause symptoms due to compression of surrounding structures or by secreting hormones if they arise from endocrine tissue.

Diagnosis typically involves imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRIs, often followed by a biopsy to confirm the benign nature of the lesion and the presence of disorganized, mature tissues. Treatment is generally not required for asymptomatic hamartomas. Surgical removal is usually reserved for lesions that are causing symptoms, are cosmetically disfiguring, or when there is a diagnostic uncertainty. Hamartomas have a very low potential for malignant transformation, and their recurrence after complete removal is rare.