Overview
What are cardiac tumors ?
Cardiac tumors are growths that arise in the heart’s inner lining, its muscle layer, or the surrounding pericardium. Although cardiac tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous, the majority of cardiac tumors – approximately 70% – are non-cancerous.
Benign Cardiac Tumors :
Myxoma : -
The most common type of benign cardiac tumor is the myxoma, which extends in to the heart’s chambers and accounts for 50% of primary cardiac tumors. Left untreated, these tumors can interfere with the function of cardiac valves; they can obstruct blood flow, and small fragments of tumors can break off and travel through the bloodstream to become lodged in the lungs or other parts of the body.
A myxoma is a benign tumor in the heart most commonly found in the left atrium. Right atrial myxomas are very rare, occurring in about 1 out of 1,000,000 people. Treatment is necessary to avoid metastasis and the formation of clots. In addition, untreated growth of the tumor can obstruct blood flow through the heart. Myxomas are curable with surgical removal.
A myxoma is a benign tumor in the heart most commonly found in the left atrium. Over 80% of myxomas are in the left atrium, usually beginning in the wall that divides the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) and growing into the atrium. Treatment is necessary to avoid metastasis and the formation of clots. In addition, untreated growth of the tumor can obstruct blood flow through the heart. Myxomas are curable with surgical removal.
Rhabdomyoma : -
Accounting for approximately 20% of benign cardiac tumors, rhabdomyomas form in the myocardium—the muscle layer of the heart. Rhabdomyomas are the most common cardiac tumor of infants and children. These tumors can cause arrhythmias and heart failure.
Other Types of Benign Cardiac Tumors : -
These more rare benign cardiac tumors include : -
- Fibroma
- Hemangioma
- Lipoma
- Lymphangioma
- Neurofibroma
- Papillary Fibroelastoma
Other Cancerous Tumors of the Heart : -
These include : -
FibrosarcomaLiposarcomaRhabdomyosarcoma
How are cardiac tumors diagnosed ?
The methods for diagnosing cardiac tumors vary, to some degree, on the symptoms present. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination,
Diagnostic procedures for cardiac sarcoma may include the following : -
- Echocardiogram : - Echocardiography has become the most useful tool in the diagnosis of cardiac tumors, allowing the physician to see their exact size and location.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) : - Cardiac tumors may cause changes in the heart's rhythm; however, these ECG changes may indicate other heart problems, so other diagnostic tools are needed to make a definitive diagnosis.
- Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan.) : - CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays and are used to further define the tumor's size, location, and other characteristics.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) : - produces detailed images of organs and structures within the body; to further define the tumor's size, location, and other characteristics.
- Chest x-ray : - It may detect heart enlargement or pulmonary congestion.
- Coronary arteriogram (or angiogram) : - with this procedure, x-rays are taken after a contrast agent is injected into an artery - to locate the narrowing, occlusions, and other abnormalities of specific arteries.
Treatment for Cardiac Tumors in India
Specific treatment for cardiac sarcoma will be determined by the physician based on : -
your age, overall health, and medical historyextent of the diseaseyour tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapiesexpectations for the course of the diseaseyour opinion or preference
Myxomas are more common in women.
Approximately 10% of all myxomas are familial, which means that they were genetically inherited. Familial myxomas tend to produce symptoms at a younger age than non-familial tumors and are often multiple, that is, are present in more than one site within the heart and can include the ventricles (lower heart chambers).
Symptoms may occur or at any time, but most often they accompany a change of body position. Symptoms may include:
Shortness of breath with activityBreathing difficulty when lying flat Breathing difficulty when asleep Dizziness Fainting Sensation of feeling your heart beat (palpitations)Chest pain or tightness
The symptoms and signs of left atrial myxomas often mimic mitral stenosis. General symptoms may also be present, such as:
Cough Fever Involuntary weight lossGeneral discomfort (malaise)Joint pain Blueness of skin, especially the fingers (Raynaud's phenomenon)Fingers that change color upon pressure or with cold or stressCurvature of nails accompanied with soft tissue enlargement (clubbing) of the fingersSwelling - any part of the body
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