Cardiac tumors: Updated classifications and main clinico-pathologic findings

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Cardiac tumors are rare, with primary cardiac tumors (PCTs) occurring in 0.02% of individuals.
• Benign lesions constitute 85% of PCTs, while malignant neoplasms account for 15%.
• Secondary cardiac tumors are significantly more common than PCTs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an up-to-date clinico-pathological description of cardiac tumors.
• To categorize primary cardiac tumors based on WHO classifications.
• To highlight the diagnostic and management needs for cardiac tumors.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent WHO classifications and scientific contributions on cardiac tumors.
• Analysis of incidence and prevalence data for primary and secondary cardiac tumors.
• Compilation of information on common tumor types, metastatic pathways, and clinical presentations.

Main Results:

• Papillary fibroelastoma and myxoma are common in adults; rhabdomyoma is common in children.
• Thoracic, esophageal, and hematological cancers are frequent causes of cardiac metastasis.
• Symptoms include arrhythmias, dyspnea, and chest discomfort, often related to tumor location.

Conclusions:

• Early diagnosis and management of cardiac tumors are crucial.
• Non-invasive imaging (echocardiography, MRI, CT) and biopsy are essential for characterization.
• Surgical resection is often necessary, with multimodal therapy for malignant cases.