MYXOMA
It is an uncommon intra-cardiac tumor (or a tumor that is present inside the heart). The left atrial myxoma constitutes 75% of all the occurring myxomas while the right atrial myxoma represents the remaining 25%. Such new growth of tissue is usually a soft irregular shaped jellylike accumulation or a round firm gathering of mass.
These tumors are linked with endocardium, the inner lining of the cardiac. The cells which comprise of the myxoma tumor are spindle-shaped and are rooted in an environment made up of mucopolysaccharides. Such abnormal growth of tissues is also termed as Atrial myxoma.
Causes
Myxoma tumors do not arise due to any causative agents. Myxoma tumors are the result of multipotential mesenchymal cells and may lead to a ball valve-type barrier. Almost 10% of such patients acquire such tumors due to hereditary reasons.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms related with ventricular myxoma arise due to tumor which restricts the usual flow of blood inside the heart chambers. Atrial myxoma symptoms generally occur when the affected patient lies in a specific position. The warning signs of the disorder may be related with the discharge of interleukin by the tumor. The classic signs of the disease may include:
- Breathing problem, especially during the upright position
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Sudden death
- Shortness of breath during any physical activity
- Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
- Fainting
- Chest pain
Additional symptoms
Patients affected with such tumors display a number of general symptoms, including:
- Fever
- General discomfort
- Bluishness of the skin
- Clubbing
- Swelling of any of the body part
- Cough
- Cachexia
Myxoma Diagnosis
The diagnosis of myxoma tumor initiates with the study of the medical history and proper physical examination of the patient. Generally, the physical examination of individuals affected with Atrial myxoma is normal. Ventilation perfusion lung scan should be conducted to rule out the possibility of pulmonary embolism as the primary cause of the disorder. Physical findings may include inspection of the heart to find out the existence of any classic tumor. To confirm the diagnosis of Atrial myxoma, doctors recommend a few diagnostic tests which include:
- Blood electrolytes
- Cardiac enzymes
- Pulse oximetry
- Troponin levels
- Coagulation profile
- Chest x-ray
- Echocardiogram
- Thyroid profile
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
- Cardiac monitoring
- Thallium heart scan
- Cardiac catheterization
Myxoma Treatment
According to medical practitioners, these tumors should be removed from the heart via surgery. Myxoma tumor may reoccur. After surgery, doctors advise patients to undergo echocardiography for the next 5 years in order to make sure that such lumps do not arise again.