What is the Difference Between Hamartoma and Teratoma

Hamartoma and teratoma are two types of cell growths that can occur in the body. Hamartoma can grow on any part of the body, including the neck, face, and head. A teratoma is most commonly found in the reproductive organs, such as the testes and ovaries. Both these cell growths are usually removed by respective surgeries.

The key difference between hamartoma and teratoma is their nature. Hamartoma is a noncancerous tumor that contains an abnormal mixture of normal tissues and cells from the area in which it grows, while teratoma is a benign or malignant germ cell tumor that starts in reproductive cells such as eggs and sperm.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Hamartoma 
3. What is Teratoma
4. Similarities – Hamartoma and Teratoma
5. Hamartoma vs Teratoma in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Hamartoma vs Teratoma
7. FAQ – Hamartoma and Teratoma

What is Hamartoma?

Hamartoma is a mass of unusual cells that grow in a particular place in the body. The PTEN gene mutation is the cause of hamartoma. In hamartoma, cells can grow from any of the germ layers. Hamartomas don’t spread, unlike malignant tumors. Moreover, hamartoma can occur in any place, including skin and internal organs. Hamartomas can cause symptoms such as seizures, vision problems, precocious (early) puberty, and breast lumps.

Figure 01: Hamartoma

Some tests and procedures doctors may use to diagnose hamartoma include X-ray imaging, CT scan, MRI scan, mammogram, EEG, and ultrasound. Furthermore, treatment options for hamartoma include giving prescribed anticonvulsants and surgeries like invasive surgery or gamma knife radiosurgery.

What is Teratoma?

Teratoma is a benign or cancerous growth of cells that can happen in the reproductive organs. It is caused by a mutation in the Ter gene. The cells in the teratoma are always derived from all three germ layers. Teratoma often occurs in the ovaries, testes, or tailbone (coccyx). General teratoma signs and symptoms include pain, bleeding, swelling, slightly elevated levels of hormone BhCG, and slightly elevated levels of tumor marker AFP.

Figure 02: Teratoma

The diagnosis procedures for teratoma include physical examination, X-ray, CT scan, blood test, and biopsy. Furthermore, treatment options for teratoma are chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Similarities Between Hamartoma and Teratoma

1. Hamartoma and teratoma are two different types of cell growths in the human body.
2. Both cell growths can be benign.
3. These cell growths can be diagnosed through imaging testing.
4. Both cell growths are normally removed by respective surgeries.

Difference Between Hamartoma and Teratoma

Definition

1. Hamartoma is a noncancerous cell growth that contains the same types of cells located in the part of the body where it forms.
2. Teratoma is a benign or cancerous cell growth that starts in the reproductive cells like eggs and sperm.

Cause

1. Hamartoma is caused by PTEN mutation.
2. Teratoma is caused by Ter mutation.

Spreading

1. Hamartoma does not spread, unlike malignant tumors.
2. Teratoma can spread to other parts of the body.

Germ Layers

1. The cells in hamartoma can grow from any of the germ layers.
2. The cells in the teratoma are always derived from all three germ layers.

Locations

1. Hamartoma can occur in the skin, neck and head, heart, breast, brain, and lungs.
2. Teratoma can occur in the ovaries, testes, and tailbone.

Symptoms

1. The symptoms of hamartoma include pressure, seizures, vision problems, precocious (early) puberty, and breast lumps.
2. The symptoms of the teratoma include abdominal, pelvic, or tailbone pain, bleeding, lump testicles, testicle swelling or pubic swelling, slightly elevated levels of the hormone BhCG, slightly elevated levels of tumor marker AFP, painful urination and weakness in the legs.

Diagnosis

1. Hamartoma can be diagnosed through X-ray imaging, CT scan, MRI scan, mammogram, electroencephalogram (EEG), and ultrasound.
2. Teratoma can be diagnosed through physical examination, X-ray, CT scan, blood test, and biopsy.

Treatment

1. Treatment options for hamartoma include giving prescribed anticonvulsants and surgeries like invasive surgery or gamma knife radiosurgery.
2. Treatment options for teratoma include giving pain medications, chemotherapy, radiation, chemoradiation, and surgery.

The following table summarizes the difference between hamartoma and teratoma.

Summary – Hamartoma vs Teratoma

Hamartoma and teratoma are two unusual cell growths. A hamartoma is an abnormal growth in an organ or structure, consisting of an unusual mixture of normal tissues and cells native to the area in which it forms. A teratoma, on the other hand, is an abnormal growth that typically occurs in the reproductive organs. Hamartoma is noncancerous and can occur in the skin, neck and head, heart, breast, brain, and lungs, whereas teratoma can be benign or cancerous and can occur in the ovaries, testes, and tailbone. This is the summary of the difference between hamartoma and teratoma.

FAQ: Hamartoma and Teratoma

1. What is a lung hamartoma?

• Lung hamartoma is a type of hamartoma. It is noncancerous lung growth characterized by an abnormal mix of tissue types, including cartilage, connective tissue, fat, and epithelium. It is a benign tumor in adults but is quite rare in children.

2. What treatments are used for hamartoma?

• Successful pain control in hamartoma can be achieved with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and bisphosphonates. Moreover, if a hamartoma is impacting an organ or has grown so large that it could cause damage, surgery usually resolves the issue.

3. What is the cause of a teratoma?

• The exact cause of most teratomas is not completely understood. Teratomas are often linked with various inherited defects that affect the central nervous system, genitourinary tract, and lower spine. It is believed to be caused by PTEN mutation.

4. What is the gold standard for teratoma diagnosis?

• Histopathological evaluation remains the gold standard for diagnosis of teratoma. Other tests to diagnose teratoma include physical examination, X-ray, CT scan, and blood test.

5. Can teratoma be treated?

• The primary treatment for teratoma is surgery to remove the tumor. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Chemotherapy and chemotherapy are not very effective against teratomas. It can be used if a tumor is a mixture of teratoma and other types of germ-cell tumors. Other treatments may include radiation and chemoradiotherapy.

Reference:

1. Anthony, Kiara. “What Is a Hamartoma? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.” Healthline, Healthline Media.

2. “Teratoma: When Germ Cells Go Rogue.” Cleveland Clinic.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Hamartoma” By Somshekar Ganti – Giant pulmonary hamartoma Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery 2006, 1:19doi:10.1186/1749-8090-1-19 (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Teratom” By Hellerhoff – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

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