Diffuse vascular hamartoma with malignant behavior

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Oncology
• Vascular Medicine

Background:

• Pulmonary hamartomas are common benign lung tumors, typically asymptomatic.
• Rarely, they can present with life-threatening symptoms due to location and vascularity.

Observation:

• A 27-year-old non-smoker presented with dyspnea, cough, hemoptysis, and weight loss.
• A right hilar mass involving the bronchus, pulmonary artery, and esophagus was identified.
• Diagnosis of diffuse vascular hamartoma was confirmed via surgical biopsy.

Findings:

• The benign lesion was large and extensively involved vital structures.
• Surgical resection was not feasible due to the tumor's size and vascularity.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for benign pulmonary hamartomas to cause severe morbidity and mortality.
• Management of large, infiltrative, or vascularly involved hamartomas presents significant clinical challenges.
• Further research into less invasive treatment options for complex pulmonary hamartomas is warranted.