A growth that develops in your heart is called a heart tumor.

Surgery to remove a heart tumor is a complicated medical operation used to treat heart tumors. Those with benign cardiac tumors that might cause issues can benefit most from it.

What is the Heart Tumor Removal Surgery?

Surgery to remove a heart tumor is a complicated medical operation used to treat heart tumors. Those with benign cardiac tumors that might cause issues can benefit most from it. Your heart or one of its valves may need to be repaired via reconstructive surgery, depending on the kind of tumor you have. If you need this, your healthcare professional will let you know.

What is a heart tumor?

A growth that develops in your heart is called a heart tumor. Instead of growing from another part of your body, primary cardiac tumors start in the heart. Benign (non-cancerous) primary cardiac tumors predominate. As long as they're removed, they rarely cause metastasis or spreading, and they don't shorten life expectancy.
Myxomas or Papillary Fibroelastomas make up the great bulk of primary cardiac tumors. These are benign growths that may cause problems for the heart valves. More often than not, they may raise your chance of having a stroke or an embolism—a blood clot that passes through your circulation. Therefore, your doctor could advise surgery to remove the tumor.
Sarcomas, or cancerous cardiac tumors, are very uncommon and are often not surgically treated.

Can a tumor in the heart be removed?

Yes, a surgeon can remove a tumor entirely from your heart in many circumstances. Myxomas and papillary fibroelastomas are benign tumors that may be removed surgically with great success.
However, it may be more difficult to remove certain complicated cancerous or benign tumors. In some circumstances, doctors could do a partial resection, removing as much of the tumor as feasible. Your quality of life should improve and some of your symptoms should go away as a result. In some situations, surgery may not be possible, in which case your doctor could suggest palliative care or other therapies.

Who needs this surgery?

If your surgeon decides that the advantages of surgery exceed the dangers, you could need surgery to remove a heart tumor. Your doctor could advise surgery if the tumor:

·        Produces symptoms.

·        Disrupts the way your heart works.

·        Increases the chance of problems such as stroke or blood clots.

·        Is expanding rapidly.

How is a heart tumor found?
Echocardiograms, or cardiac ultrasounds, are the most frequent method used to identify Heart Tumors. To better understand and identify a cardiac tumor, further non-invasive imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans may be performed.

Diagnosis of Heart Tumors

Diagnosing a heart tumor typically involves:

• Imaging Tests: Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), MRI, and CT scans are performed to visualize the tumor’s size, location, and impact on heart function.
• Biopsy: A sample of the tumor may be taken to examine the exact type, though biopsies are less common for heart tumors due to the risk of complications.
• Blood Tests: To check for markers of cancer and assess overall health.

Types of Heart Tumors

1. Primary Heart Tumors:

Ø  Benign Tumors:

·        Myxomas: The most common primary heart tumor, typically found in the left atrium. Myxomas are usually non-cancerous and may cause symptoms by obstructing blood flow or by releasing debris into the bloodstream.

·        Fibromas: Usually found in the heart's muscle tissue, these are rare and typically occur in children. They are generally slow-growing and may not always cause symptoms.

·        Lipomas: Composed of fat cells, these tumors are usually asymptomatic and found incidentally during imaging for other conditions.

·        Papillary Fibroelastomas: Rare and usually found on heart valves, these can sometimes cause embolic events if pieces break off and travel to other parts of the body.

Ø  Malignant Tumors:

·        Sarcomas: These are rare and aggressive tumors originating in the heart's connective tissues. Types include angiosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma. They are often diagnosed at an advanced stage and can be difficult to treat.

·        Primary Lymphomas: These are extremely rare and usually occur in people with weakened immune systems.

2. Secondary Heart Tumors:

• Metastatic Tumors: These tumors originate from cancer in other organs, such as the lungs, breast, or kidneys. They spread to the heart through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and are more common than primary tumors. They usually indicate advanced disease and may present with symptoms related to both the primary cancer and cardiac involvement.

Conclusion

Heart tumor removal surgery is a complex but vital procedure that can significantly improve a patient’s health and quality of life. With advanced surgical techniques and careful postoperative care, many patients experience positive outcomes and a return to normal activities. For those facing this surgery, understanding the process and preparing appropriately can help in navigating this challenging journey. Always consult with a healthcare professional to discuss specific risks, benefits, and expectations related to individual cases.