Choristomas, a form of
heterotopia, are masses of normal tissues found in abnormal locations. In contrast to a
neoplasm or tumor, the growth of a choristoma is normally regulated.
It is different from a
hamartoma
A hamartoma is a mostly benign, local malformation of cells that resembles a neoplasm of local tissue but is usually due to an overgrowth of multiple aberrant cells, with a basis in a systemic genetic condition, rather than a growth descended fr ...
. The two can be differentiated as follows: a hamartoma is disorganized overgrowth of tissues in their normal location (e.g.,
Peutz–Jeghers polyps), while a choristoma is normal tissue growth in an abnormal location (e.g., osseous choristoma,
gastric tissue located in distal
ileum
The ileum () is the final section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. In fish, the divisions of the small intestine are not as clear and the terms posterior intestine or distal intestine ma ...
in
Meckel diverticulum
A Meckel's diverticulum, a true congenital diverticulum, is a slight bulge in the small intestine present at birth and a vestigial remnant of the omphalomesenteric duct (also called the vitelline duct or yolk stalk). It is the most common malforma ...
).
References
External links
* – Choristoma
Dermal and subcutaneous growths
Anatomical pathology
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