Cardiac Tumour Surgery

A Cardiac tumor is a growth that forms in your heart. Primary heart tumors begin in your heart, as opposed to spreading from somewhere else in your body. Most primary heart tumors are benign (not cancerous). They have essentially no risk of metastasis (spreading), and they’re not associated with decreased life expectancy as long as they’re removed.

The vast majority of primary heart tumors are myxomas or papillary fibroelastomas. These are benign growths that can impact heart valve function and may increase your risk of blood clots or stroke. For this reason, your healthcare provider may recommend surgical removal. Cancerous heart tumors (sarcomas) are extremely rare, and most often not treated with surgery.

What Are the Symptoms of a Cardiac Tumor?

Many patients with a cardiac tumor are asymptomatic (no symptoms at all). For those who do have symptoms, they are often non-specific and resemble other cardiovascular conditions. Symptom presentation depends on tumor location, size, growth rate, and whether pieces break off into the bloodstream.

• Heart failure (shortness of breath, leg swelling, inability to lie flat)
• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Chest pain
• Stroke (slurred speech, weakness, vision loss)
• Pericardial effusion (fluid/blood/tumor within the sac surrounding the heart)
• Constitutional symptoms (fever, weight loss, elevated inflammatory markers, anemia)

Diagnosis of Cardiac Tumors

Cardiac tumors are most commonly diagnosed by echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound). Further imaging such as CT scan, MRI, or PET scan may help in better characterization and diagnosis.

Treatment Options

In general, patients with a primary cardiac tumor require surgical resection. Depending on tumor size, location, and the surrounding structures affected, surgery may include:

• Complete tumor removal
• Repair or replacement of a nearby cardiac valve, if required
• Open-heart surgery as the preferred approach, allowing direct examination and removal

Expert Care You Can Trust

With Dr. Kuntal Surana’s expertise and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team, patients with cardiac tumors receive advanced diagnostic evaluation and surgical care. The focus is on safe tumor removal, restoring normal heart function, and ensuring the best possible outcomes.