[Chondromatous hamartoma of the lungs]

A composite morphological examination of chondromatous pulmonary hamartoma showed this tumor always to contain epithelial structures determining the peculiar cytological picture in transthoracal puncture biopsy. Therefore, the diagnostic signs in cytological examinations of chondromatous hamartoma should include cluster-like accumulations of cubic epithelial cells, typical complexes of epithelial and stromal cells, while fragments of immature cartilage and mesenchyma make the picture distinctly trustworthy. The source of epithelial and cartilage elements in the punctate consists of the less compact peripheral parts of the tumor where the main portion of epithelial structures, immature cartilage tissue and mesenchyma are located. Some epithelial elements in their ultrastructural organization resemble the lining of embryonal lungs. otworthy. The source of epithelial and cartilage elements in the punctate consists of the less compact peripheral parts of the tumor where the main portion of epithelial structures, immature cartilage tissue and mesenchyma are located. Some epithelial elecments in their ultrastructural organization resemble the lining of embryonal lungs. The histogenesis of chondromatous hamartoma should apparently be associated with mesodermal and ectodermal components of the bronchial germ which explains the regular presence of the epithelium in this tumor.