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Cardiac Myxoma

The most common primary benign tumor of the heart, typically located in the left atrium.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Cardiac Myxoma?

Cardiac myxoma accounts for approximately 50% of primary cardiac tumors and is a benign neoplasm. About 75% arise in the left atrium, most commonly from the fossa ovalis. It is more frequent in young to middle-aged women.

Myxomas have a gelatinous appearance and can be pedunculated or broad-based. The classic clinical triad is mechanical obstruction (interference with mitral valve function), tumor embolism and constitutional symptoms (fever, weight loss, arthralgia).

Diagnosis is usually made by echocardiography. Treatment is surgical excision; complete resection is associated with an excellent prognosis. Recurrence risk is higher in familial myxoma syndromes.

Symptoms

Positional dyspnea
Syncope and presyncope
Murmur resembling mitral stenosis
Fever and weight loss
Arthralgia and malaise
Systemic embolism and stroke
Signs of heart failure

Risk Factors

Female sex
Age 30–60 years
Family history of myxoma
Carney complex
LAMB syndrome
NAME syndrome
Genetic predisposition

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Positional dyspnea and syncope
  • Unexplained embolic events
  • Cardiac murmur with constitutional symptoms
  • Screening when there is a family history

Treatment Methods

01
Complete surgical resection of the tumor
02
Full excision of the pedicle to reduce recurrence
03
Concomitant valve repair when required
04
Postoperative echocardiographic follow-up
05
Genetic counseling in familial forms
06
Long-term surveillance for recurrence

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.