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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Heart Tumor Discovered by Echocardiography
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Heart Tumor Discovered by Echocardiography
by Jan__0__0, Jul 24, 1998 12:00AM
My friend, 43 yr. old male, had an echocardiogram recently when he was diagnosed with pneumonia. The doctor wanted the procedure repeated and feels there may be either a small tumor or a calcification on the right atrium. The follow-up test will be another echo through the esophagus. I understand this is rare in itself and moreover, seldom malignant. If it is a tumor, what might we expect as treatment and prognosis? It if is calcification, what might that mean? He mentioned surgery using an arthroscopic procedure to remove it if it is a tumor. If so, what is the best way to find a surgeon with experience in this type of procedure? We live in Miami, Florida.
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Dear Jan
Calcification of the right atrium would not require any specific treatment. A tumor would need to be removed surgically. Statistically speaking, it would be unusual to just pick up a tumor in the heart is someone with a pneumonia, though it is possible. Another consideration may be whether it is an infection on a heart valve that was seen, or a clot. If it is a tumor, the prognosis depends on what kind of tumor - this can only be determined after the tissue has been removed. Most tumors are benign and do not cause further problems.
The transesophageal echo should help clarify matters. If not, a cardiac MRI can sometimes be useful. As far as arthroscopic surgery, that is surgery done through a small tube on the knee, so I am not sure what you are referring to. You should go to a major medical center for the surgery, not a community hospital.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.
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Dear Jan
Calcification of the right atrium would not require any specific treatment. A tumor would need to be removed surgically. Statistically speaking, it would be unusual to just pick up a tumor in the heart is someone with a pneumonia, though it is possible. Another consideration may be whether it is an infection on a heart valve that was seen, or a clot. If it is a tumor, the prognosis depends on what kind of tumor - this can only be determined after the tissue has been removed. Most tumors are benign and do not cause further problems.
The transesophageal echo should help clarify matters. If not, a cardiac MRI can sometimes be useful. As far as arthroscopic surgery, that is surgery done through a small tube on the knee, so I am not sure what you are referring to. You should go to a major medical center for the surgery, not a community hospital.
I hope this has been useful. Feel free to write back with further questions. Good luck.
Information provided here is of a general nature. Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor. If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.
