Cytologic features of pulmonary hamartoma. Report of a case diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hamartoma (PH) is the most common benign tumor of the lung. It is usually composed of cartilage, fat, smooth muscle and respiratory epithelium. Its diagnosis is based on imaging methods (radiography, computed tomography) and cytohistomorphologic study by means of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). CASE: A 59-year-old female had a productive cough and lung mass on chest radiography. Fine needle aspiration of the nodule showed a fusiform tumor cell, which was diagnosed as consistent with PH. The patient underwent surgery for the tumor. Histopathologic study confirmed the diagnosis of PH. CONCLUSION: The fluoroscopically guided FNAC specimen was adequate in achieving a diagnosis. Cytologic features consisted of a serosanguineous background in which scant cellular elements of spindle and stellate cells, as well as fibromyxoid material, enabled us to make a definitive diagnosis. Since this technique is relatively noninvasive, it is very useful in diagnosing PH before a preoperative biopsy.