HAMARTOMAS OF THE HEAD AND NECK: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW

Albrecht introduced the concept of hamartoma at the beginning of the twentieth century to designate a tumor like but non neoplastic malformation or inborn error of tissue development. The formation of these growths take place by abnormal mixing or fundamental disturbance in the course of development. The pathogenesis of hamartoma in the head and neck region remains unclear. Because of its low clinical morbidity and nonspecific symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of these lesions remain a challenge. It is important to differentiate hamartomas from related lesions like malformations, choriostomas, teratomas and benign tumors; which may present as a diagnostic dilemma. Yet their benign nature warrants a precise diagnosis in order to prevent an invasive treatment. As such there is no well-established classification of hamartomas of the head and neck. Here we make an attempt to classify there rare lesions based on their origin, which may provide an insight into the nature of these lesions and further guide to formulate a diagnosis.