Cardiac neoplasms: current diagnosis, pathology, and therapy

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Cardiac neoplasms are rare with diverse clinical presentations.
• Diagnosis and surgical removal of benign cardiac tumors can be complex.
• Malignant cardiac tumors, primary or metastatic, pose significant therapeutic hurdles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review diagnostic, pathological, and therapeutic aspects of cardiac neoplasms.
• To detail surgical approaches for resectable cardiac tumors.
• To highlight advancements in managing benign cardiac tumors.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of cardiac neoplasms.
• Analysis of diagnostic modalities, including intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography.
• Examination of pathological and histological findings.
• Review of surgical techniques and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

• Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography aids surgical planning for benign tumors.
• Cardiac transplantation offers an option for unresectable benign neoplasms.
• Electrophysiologically guided surgery can control arrhythmias from benign tumors.
• Limited progress has been made in treating malignant cardiac tumors.

Conclusions:

• Benign cardiac neoplasms require careful diagnosis and tailored surgical approaches.
• Advanced imaging and techniques improve outcomes for benign cardiac tumors.
• Malignant cardiac tumors necessitate further research and novel therapeutic strategies.