Cardiac Tumor Treatment
Cardiac tumours are primary or metastatic masses in the myocardium, chambers or pericardium. Primary tumours are rare; benign myxoma is most common. Malignant sarcomas are rarer but aggressive. Early diagnosis reduces embolic and haemodynamic risk.
Symptoms
Depending on site and mobility: dyspnoea, palpitations, chest pain, syncope, systemic embolism (e.g. stroke), fever or weight loss.
Diagnosis
- Transthoracic / transoesophageal echocardiography
- Cardiac MRI and CT (tissue characterisation)
- Biopsy or surgical pathology when indicated
Treatment
Surgery
Complete excision is standard for benign tumours and removes embolic risk.
Surveillance / medical
Small asymptomatic lesions may be followed; anticoagulation sometimes discussed.
Oncology
After surgery for malignancy, chemotherapy/radiotherapy are planned multidisciplinary.
FAQ
- Duration: Operating time often about 2–4 hours depending on the mass.
- Recurrence: Low for benign lesions; imaging follow-up still advised.
- Cancer? Not every cardiac mass is malignant; most are benign.
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) restores blood flow when coronary arteries are blocked, using grafts. Informative guide: symptoms, graft choice, off-pump and minimally invasive options, recovery, and stent versus bypass decisions.
Small-incision (minimally invasive) cardiac surgery avoids full sternotomy for mitral/aortic valve work, selected bypass and some congenital procedures, aiming for less pain and faster discharge. Eligibility, advantages and FAQ.
Mitral, aortic and other valves with stenosis or regurgitation: repair preserves the native valve when possible; otherwise mechanical or bioprosthetic replacement. Minimally invasive options and recovery summary.
Varicose veins: EVLA, radiofrequency, sclerotherapy and surgery when needed; symptoms, supportive measures and long-term follow-up — informative overview.
Aortic aneurysm and dissection: open surgery and endovascular (stent-graft) approaches. Arrhythmias: drugs, ablation and device therapy — emphasis on early diagnosis and follow-up.
Intracardiac mass symptoms, diagnosis with echocardiography and advanced imaging, surgical excision, follow-up and multidisciplinary care for malignant lesions — overview.
Peripheral arterial disease: claudication, critical limb ischaemia and ulcers — balloon, stent, atherectomy, bypass and endarterectomy; integrated view with varicose vein care.
Peripheral arterial stenosis: transfemoral or transradial catheter balloon angioplasty and drug-eluting stent when indicated; indications, benefits, follow-up and FAQ.
Chronic kidney failure: AV fistula, AV graft and catheter access for haemodialysis; maturation time, benefits, risks and care advice.
