left atrial myxoma

[doogan]

Is there any procedure (besides open heart surgery) to remove a left atrial myxoma and where is there a hospital/doctor specializing in treating this problem?

[dondon69]

A related discussion, myxoma heart tumors was started.

[CaptArmstrong]

Hi

I am Sam Armstrong, 38 years, male, from India.

During a routine medical check-up, while doing ECHO, I was found to have a benign tumor in the left atrium. This was confirmed in the TEE (Trans Esophagal Echocargiography). There are no other complications in the entire physical checkup. I do not have any previous history of cardiac problems.

I do not have any symptoms connected to Myxoma. My physician doubts that this might have existed right from childhood or might have grown recently. The doctors advised me to go for an open heart surgery at the earliest for the removal of this tumor as there are fatal risks involved due to embolization etc.

I request you to clarify the following :-

Is the requirement of surgery immediate or can it be postponed for a little later?

If it can be postponed what are the risks involved?

How long can it be postponed? or should I wait for any symptoms.


Regards
Sam Armstrong

[CC-RN]

My wife has a recurrent (2nd) left atrial myxoma 1cm.  First tumor removed 5 years ago.  This one is much smaller than the first.  Is it possible to do ablation during surgery to be sure all the cells are destroyed.  Should I get heart echo's on my 5 and 8 year old kids.  

[CCF-M.D.-RCJ]

doogan,

I know of no way to remove these tumors other than via open heart surgery.

If any doctor or center is performing a non-operative extraction technique, it would be considered highly experimental.  Furthermore, the medical literature quotes an actuarial survival of 95% over 20 years in surgically treated patients.  The standard for any investigational technique is quite high.

Go to a major heart center, such as the Cleveland Clinic (www.ccf.org) or Mayo Clinic, and do so in a timely fashion.

Hope that helps.