Cardiac Tumors

About

Cardiac tumors are primary tumors or secondary tumors that form in the heart. Most cardiac tumors are noncancerous (benign) and some cardiac tumors are cancerous (malignant).

Types

Benign Cardiac Tumors

• Myxoma – A tumor that forms inside the heart cavity, most commonly in the left atrium. The common type of cardiac tumor.
• Rhabdomyomas – A tumor that develops in the heart muscle or the inner layer of heart tissue, typically in the walls of the ventricle. Occurs in children or infants.
• Fibromas – A tumor that develops in the heart muscle or the inner layer of heart tissue, typically in the valves.
• Teratomas of the pericardium – A tumor that forms at the base of the great vessels, most commonly in the left atrium. Occurs in infants.

Malignant Cardiac Tumors

• Angiosarcomas – A cancerous tumor that typically develops on the right side of the heart. A common type of malignant cardiac tumor.
• Rhabdomyosarcomas – A cancerous tumor that typically develops in the heart muscle.

Symptoms

Cardiac tumor symptoms vary depending on the type and location. Symptoms may include:

• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Rapid or abnormal heartbeats