Sonographic features of breast hamartomas

The sonographic features of ten breast hamartomas are reported. Four masses were clinically palpable. The mammographic appearance was characteristic of hamartomas in five cases. In the remaining five lesions, because the radiographic appearance was not pathognomonic, surgical excision was required for pathologic confirmation of the diagnosis. A wide spectrum of sonographic appearances was identified, the most frequent was that of a moderate to well-circumscribed, solid, hypoechoic mass with posterior acoustic shadowing. Two isoechoic hamartomas were very difficult to visualize on sonography. We conclude that ultrasound has a minimal role in the diagnosis of breast hamartomas, in view of their wide sonographic variability.