Heart tumors are abnormal growths of cells that can develop within or on the heart. While they can impact heart function, heart tumors are generally rare.
Classifying Heart Tumors
Heart tumors are categorized by their origin and nature. Primary cardiac tumors originate in the heart, while secondary (metastatic) heart tumors spread from cancer elsewhere in the body. Secondary tumors are considerably more common, occurring 20 to 30 times more frequently than primary ones.
Approximately 75% of primary heart tumors are benign (non-cancerous). Myxoma is the most common type in adults, often found in the left atrium. Other benign primary tumors include fibromas and rhabdomyomas, which are more common in infants and children, and papillary fibroelastomas, often found on heart valves. Malignant primary heart tumors are rare, accounting for about 25% of primary cardiac tumors. The most common type of malignant primary heart tumor is angiosarcoma, an aggressive cancer that often arises in the right atrium.
Recognizing Signs and Symptoms
Heart tumor symptoms are often non-specific, resembling those of other heart conditions. This non-specific nature can make diagnosis challenging. Symptoms arise depending on the tumor’s location, size, and how it impacts heart function.
Tumors can cause symptoms by obstructing blood flow within the heart chambers or through heart valves, interfering with the heart’s electrical system, or leading to the formation of blood clots that can travel to other parts of the body. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeats, or swelling in the legs. If a piece of the tumor or a clot breaks off and travels through the bloodstream, it can cause stroke-like symptoms or serious respiratory problems if it lodges in the lungs.
How Heart Tumors are Diagnosed
Diagnosis typically begins with a patient’s medical history and physical examination. Due to the rarity of primary heart tumors and their non-specific symptoms, they are sometimes discovered incidentally during tests for other conditions. Imaging tests are crucial for confirming a heart tumor’s presence and characteristics.
Echocardiography, which uses sound waves to image the heart, is often the initial and most common diagnostic tool. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed images, effectively characterizing tumors and differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. MRI also evaluates the heart’s structure, function, and the tumor’s impact on surrounding tissues. Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) scans offer detailed views of the heart and surrounding structures, useful when MRI is not feasible. While imaging provides strong indications, a definitive diagnosis often requires a biopsy, where a tissue sample is taken for analysis.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment for a heart tumor is highly individualized, depending on its type, size, location, whether it is benign or malignant, and the patient’s overall health. For most primary benign heart tumors, surgical removal is the primary treatment, aiming to completely excise the tumor, prevent complications, and improve heart function.
Treatment strategies are more complex for malignant heart tumors or secondary tumors that have spread to the heart. These may include chemotherapy and radiation therapy to shrink the tumor and manage symptoms. Surgical removal may be attempted for malignant tumors if feasible, but complete removal can be challenging. For small, non-symptomatic benign tumors, a “watchful waiting” approach with regular monitoring might be adopted. Supportive care is also provided to manage symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.