A myxoma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth in the heart. Myxomas can be as small as a few millimeters or grow to a few centimeters. Most develop in the area of the heart called the atrium, which is the top left chamber of the heart. These myxomas grow from a stalk on the wall that separates the two sides of the heart (called the septum).
Symptoms
- difficulty breathing when lying flat
- chest pain or tightness
- shortness of breath with activity
- coughing
- dizziness
- fainting
- palpitations
- fevers
- tiredness
- flu-like illness
- stroke-like symptoms
Diagnosis
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac (MRI)
- Cardiac CT
Treatment
- surgery
