Choristomas, a form of
heterotopia, are masses of normal tissues found in abnormal locations.[1][2][3][4] In contrast to a
neoplasm or tumor, the growth of a choristoma is normally regulated.[5]
It is different from a
hamartoma. 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,[6] gastric tissue located in distal
ileum in
Meckel diverticulum).