Cardiac myxoma

Cardiac Myxoma

Cardiac myxoma (pronounced: kahr-dee-ak mik-soh-muh) is a rare, noncancerous tumor that develops in the heart. The term "myxoma" is derived from the Greek word "muxa," which means "mucus." The tumor is so named because it has a consistency similar to mucus.

Etymology

The term "myxoma" comes from the Greek word "muxa," meaning mucus. The prefix "cardiac" is derived from the Greek "kardia," meaning heart. Thus, a cardiac myxoma is a mucus-like tumor of the heart.

Description

Cardiac myxomas are the most common type of primary heart tumor. They usually occur in the atrium, a chamber on the left side of the heart. However, they can also develop in other areas of the heart. Cardiac myxomas are often benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, they can cause serious health problems if they interfere with the heart's function or if pieces of the tumor break off and travel to other parts of the body (embolism).

Symptoms

Symptoms of a cardiac myxoma can vary widely and may include shortness of breath, fatigue, weight loss, and fever. Some people with a cardiac myxoma may not have any symptoms at all. The symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions, so it's important to see a doctor if you have any concerns.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of a cardiac myxoma typically involves imaging tests such as an echocardiogram, MRI, or CT scan. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor. In some cases, medication may be used to manage symptoms.

Related Terms

• Atrium
• Tumor
• Embolism
• Echocardiogram
• MRI
• CT scan

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cardiac myxoma
• Wikipedia's article - Cardiac myxoma

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