A benign (noncancerous) tumor that develops in the upper chamber of the heart (atria) is called a myxoma. While it may not cause any symptoms, sometimes it interferes with the heart’s function by affecting blood flow. As a result, people with myxoma may experience some complications (such as pulmonary embolism or stroke). If a myxoma causes symptoms, they often include fatigue (extreme tiredness), dyspnea (shortness of breath), dizziness, and others. One of the most common treatments for people with myxoma is surgery to remove the tumor and restore heart function.
Although this tumor is not cancerous, it may affect a heart valve, or bits of the tumor may break and travel through the blood. Thus, it may lead to life-threatening blockages in arteries or veins. Most people who develop a myxoma need surgery to remove it. Typically, myxomas appear rarely, but it is the second most common form of benign primary heart tumor. According to some research, papillary fibroelastomas occur more frequently than myxomas.
Where Do Myxomas Occur?
In most cases, this noncancerous tumor develops in the left upper chamber of the heart (also known as the left atrium). However, some people may develop it in the following places. The upper right chamber of the heart (right atrium) and the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles), or heart valves.
A myxoma often grows from the muscular wall (septum) that separates the upper chambers of the heart. In rare cases, myxomas may develop in the jawbone (odontogenic myxoma), muscle (intramuscular myxoma), or skin (cutaneous myxoma).
What Are The Symptoms of Myxoma?
Typically, myxomas cause multiple symptoms, but it still depends on where it develops and how it affects blood flow inside the heart muscle. Check some general symptoms of myxoma below:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Heart palpitations
- Fever
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Weight loss
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
It is important to see a doctor if any of the symptoms listed above occur. Leaving a myxoma untreated may cause serious and even life-threatening complications.
Causes
Unfortunately, doctors cannot identify what exactly causes most myxomas, but they believe these tumors appear spontaneously. It means myxomas affect people without a family history of the disease or genetic reasons. However, approximately 10% of people with a myxoma also have Carney’s complex. This is a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to develop in the heart and other parts of the body at the same time.
While anyone can develop this condition, certain factors could elevate your risk. Check some examples below:
- Age – While it may develop at any age, it is usually diagnosed in people between the ages of 30 and 60.
- Sex – Women are slightly more likely to develop myxomas compared to men.
- Genetic factors – There is a genetic disorder that significantly increases the risk of developing cardiac myxomas, as well as in other parts of the body. It is called Carney’s complex.
What Are The Potential Complications of Myxoma?
One of the most common and serious complications of cardiac myxoma is embolism. When it happens, there is a blockage in a blood vessel that significantly reduces blood flow. It may occur when a piece of the myxoma breaks and blocks an artery. Sometimes, embolism occurs due to a blood clot. Check for other complications of myxoma below:
- Acute limb ischemia (sudden and severe drop in blood flow to a leg or arm)
- Heart attack (also known as myocardial infarction)
- Pulmonary embolism (decreased blood flow to the lungs)
- Eye stroke (retinal artery occlusion)
- Stroke
- Heart failure
- Damage to the heart valves (including mitral or tricuspid valve)
- Sudden cardiac death
- Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
This article does not have all possible complications of a myxoma, but your physician may recommend some tips to reduce the risk or even prevent them.
Diagnosis
Usually, doctors diagnose this condition by performing a physical examination and tests. Sometimes, it is difficult to diagnose this benign tumor because it causes symptoms similar to those of other health conditions. During a physical exam, doctors will use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and may ask some questions about your symptoms and medical history to get more information about your disease. In any case, to confirm or rule out myxomas, physicians will perform the following tests. These include:
- Echocardiogram – This is one of the main tests used to diagnose a myxoma. While most of the time an echo on the outside of the chest is enough, doctors may also use a specific device that is inserted down to the esophagus.
- Heart CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans – These are imaging tests used to get detailed images of the heart and surrounding tissues.
- Blood tests – These tests are done to check for markers of inflammation or reduced levels of red blood cells, which are common in people with myxomas.
Treatment
The only treatment needed to remove a myxoma is surgery. During this procedure, surgeons will remove the tumor and repair damaged heart tissues. Mostly, they use tissue from the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart) to repair heart chamber walls or valves. Sometimes, doctors may use minimally invasive procedures that involve robotic-assisted techniques to remove the tumor. Furthermore, surgery may cause some complications, including bleeding, infection, and arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is myxoma caused by?
In most cases, doctors cannot identify the exact cause of this benign tumor. However, about 10% of people with myxomas have a genetic disorder called Carney’s complex that significantly increases the risk of developing cardiac myxomas.
Is myxoma life-threatening?
Yes, this benign tumor may cause life-threatening complications if it is left untreated. One of the most common complications is embolism.
What is the survival rate for myxoma?
In general, the survival rate varies among people with myxomas. Generally, the 20-year survival rate is about 85%.
Can a myxoma come back after surgery?
Although uncommon, a myxoma can recur after surgical removal. The risk of recurrence is higher in people with hereditary conditions such as Carney Complex. Regular follow-up appointments and imaging tests help doctors monitor for recurrence.
How quickly does a myxoma grow?
The growth rate of a myxoma varies from person to person. Some tumors grow slowly over several years, while others may enlarge more rapidly, causing symptoms due to obstruction of blood flow.
Can a myxoma be detected during a routine checkup?
Yes, a healthcare provider may hear an abnormal heart sound during a physical examination, prompting further testing. However, many myxomas are discovered incidentally during imaging studies performed for other reasons.
Are cardiac myxomas cancerous?
No. Cardiac myxomas are benign tumors, meaning they do not spread to distant parts of the body like cancer. In any case, they can still be dangerous because they may interfere with heart function or cause embolic complications.
What should I expect during recovery from myxoma surgery?
Recovery depends on the type of surgery performed and your overall health. Most people spend several days in the hospital after surgery and gradually return to normal activities over the following weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding physical activity and follow-up care.
Can younger people develop a myxoma?
Yes. Although myxomas are most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 60, they can occur in younger adults and, rarely, in children. Most of the time, when this condition happens at a younger age, it is associated with inherited conditions such as Carney complex.
How often are follow-up visits needed after treatment?
The frequency of follow-up visits varies depending on individual circumstances. Doctors often recommend periodic echocardiograms to ensure the tumor has not returned and to evaluate overall heart function after surgery. Regular follow-up is especially important for people with a family history of myxoma or genetic syndromes. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare providers.
