Multiple pulmonary hamartomas; a case report and review of the literature

Bilateral multiple hamartomas were found in a woman suspected of having metastatic malignancy of the lung. As extensive investigation for the primary tumour was unrevealing, a left exploratory thoracotomy and histological examination established the diagnosis. In view of the benign character of the tumours, local excision alone was performed. No surgical intervention was performed on the right side. Repeat chest films 12 months after surgery did not show the appearance of new lesions in the left lung or any increase in the size of the nodules in the right lung. This is the 12th case so far reported. The clinical characteristics and surgical management of these tumours are discussed.