Atrial myxoma is a benign tumor that develops in the heart’s atrial septum, causing symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. It can cause heart failure and embolisms, and in severe cases, sudden death. Diagnosis involves examining the patient’s history and symptoms, and tests such as ECG, MRI, and chest X-rays. Treatment involves immediate surgical removal to avoid the risk of sudden death.
An atrial myxoma is a tumor that develops in the atrial septum, usually in the upper left or right side of the heart. The growth is benign and carries no risk of cancer. The condition can cause several medical problems along with general symptoms, including heart failure and embolisms. Doctors advise patients diagnosed with atrial myxoma to have the tumor removed as soon as possible.
The condition is classified as a primary cardiac cancer, meaning it is one of the few cancers that originate directly in the heart. About 75% of atrial myxoma cases develop from mesenchymal cells located in the left atrium. In about 10% of reported cases, myxomas are hereditary and grow in multiple areas of the heart. Patients with a hereditary atrial myxoma often have symptoms at an earlier age than those whose conditions are not hereditary.
Patients suffering from an atrial myxoma experience various cardiac and respiratory symptoms. Among the most commonly reported symptoms are chest pain, mild to severe heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. Additionally, patients may also experience sudden and unexplained weight loss, severe nausea, and abnormal swelling of the fingers and other parts of the body. More severe cases of atrial myxoma can result in sudden death due to the rupture of cancer cells causing fatal hemobolism or blockage of blood flow within the heart. It’s also possible for pieces of atrial myxoma to travel to the eyes and brain, causing significant organ damage.
Diagnosis for an atrial myxoma begins with a thorough examination of the patient’s history and symptoms. The risk factor is increased for patients with relatives who suffered from the condition and for female patients. The growth often impairs blood flow in the heart, causing abnormal sounds when examined with a stethoscope. If doctors suspect a tumor, they may conduct several tests to visually examine the heart. These include electrocardiogram (ECG) tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart, and chest X-rays.
If detected, an atrial myxoma must be surgically removed immediately to avoid the risk of sudden death. Surgeons should make sure to remove any traces of growth, as any myxoma cells left behind can develop into new tumors. In severe cases, the damage to the heart will be severe enough to require mitral valve replacement.
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