Cardiac Neoplasms

Both primary and secondary (metastatic) tumors can affect the heart. Secondary neoplasms are more common but are less likely to require surgical intervention. Primary tumors are rare, almost 25% of them are malignant and 3/4 of them are sarcomas. The most common cardiac neoplasms are atrial myxoma and papillary fibroelastoma. Symptoms, associated with the mechanical effects of the tumor on the patient’s hemodynamics and the myocardium’s conduction system, often span from asymptomatic to sudden cardiac death. Preoperative diagnosis is made through imaging studies including echocardiography, computer tomography, and magnetic resonance. The cornerstone of treatment is surgical resection, for prognosis or symptom control. Treatment is individualized as complete surgical resection is not always possible. Prognosis is deeply related to the tumor’s biology and patient characteristics.