Hamartoma

Pathophysiology:  Hamartomas are benign developmental lung "rests" consisting of remnants of the primordial fetal layers.  They are benign but may "grow" slightly over the years.

CXR Findings:

1) solitary, well defined nodule
2) often with speckled or curvilinear "popcorn" like calcifications
3) no other associated findings

CT Findings:

The diagnosis is often confirmed on CT of the chest.  Nodule with area of soft tissue, fat and calcification.

Treatment:

In practice, if previous films are not available, a CT is done. If the nodule does not have the typical CT features of a hamartoma, a biopsy or excision is done to rule out cancer, especially in the older patient with a smoking history.

"Aunt Sophies":  Any solitary pulmonary nodule, especially if the hamartoma shows no calcification on plain CXR.