Tumors of the heart

Abstract

Cardiac Tumors are very rare but have devastating consequences given that they involve such an important organ. The majority of tumors are benign myxomas, which can present in very subtle ways causing a subsequent delay in diagnosis. Routine echocardiography is advised for anybody who is feeling generally unwell, since myxomas can cause pyrexia of unknown origin. The use of cardiac imaging has increased the early diagnosis of these tumors. A total of 25% of cardiac tumors are malignant sarcomas and these have a highly aggressive behavior. Early detection of these tumors while they are resectable offers a possibility for cure in the future.