Cardiac Tumors: High-Yield Pathology
Cardiac tumors are categorized as primary (rare) or metastatic (much more common). When evaluating these for exams, prioritize the location and clinical behavior of the lesion.
1. Primary Cardiac Tumors
| Tumor | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Myxoma | The most common primary cardiac tumor in adults. 80% are in the left atrium. A pedunculated mass that can cause “ball-valve” obstruction, syncope, and constitutional symptoms (IL-6 production). |
| Rhabdomyoma | The most common primary cardiac tumor in children. Associated with tuberous sclerosis. Often regresses spontaneously. |
2. Exam Must-Knows
- Myxoma “Buzzwords”: Listen for a “tumor plop” (early diastolic sound) on auscultation. Histology shows myxoma cells in a mucopolysaccharide stroma.
- Metastatic Tumors: Significantly more common than primary cardiac tumors. Most frequent sources: Lung, Breast, Melanoma, and Lymphoma.
- Tuberous Sclerosis Association: Rhabdomyoma + Tuberous Sclerosis is a classic “must-link” for pediatric board vignettes.
3. Clinical Pearl
Diagnostic Note: If a patient presents with systemic symptoms (fever, weight loss) and signs of mitral valve obstruction, strongly consider an atrial myxoma. The tumor produces cytokines, particularly IL-6, which accounts for the constitutional symptoms.