Huong suffered a stroke a year ago, and doctors suspected a cardiac embolism. Three months later, an echocardiogram revealed a tumor in her left atrium. Doctors recommended immediate surgery, but her family hesitated due to her incomplete recovery from the stroke. In June of this year, she sought a health checkup at Tam Anh General Hospital in TP HCM.

Doctor Pham Thuc Minh Thuy, from the Cardiology Center, reported that the echocardiogram showed an 11x4 cm tumor (suspected myxoma) in the left atrium. The tumor consisted of three connected lobes and moved across the mitral valve.

Myxomas are the most common primary heart tumors. They are usually benign and typically located in the left atrium. In Huong's case, Dr. Thuy explained that without treatment, the tumor could cause serious complications, such as mitral valve stenosis due to obstruction, embolism leading to stroke, or sudden cardiac arrest due to blocked blood flow. Doctors held a consultation and performed emergency surgery.

Pre-operative ultrasound shows the left atrial myxoma passing through the mitral valve to the apex of the heart. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Pre-operative ultrasound shows the left atrial myxoma passing through the mitral valve to the apex of the heart. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Tran Thuc Khang, Deputy Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Cardiology Center, surgically removed the gelatinous tumor attached to the interatrial septum. He performed a wide excision around the base of the tumor to prevent recurrence, checked the mitral valve, and reconstructed the interatrial septum. Post-operative pathology confirmed the tumor was benign. A week after surgery, Huong had recovered, resumed normal activities, and no longer experienced fatigue. She continues to receive post-operative support and treatment.

Huong during her follow-up appointment a week later, consulting with Dr. Thuy. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Huong during her follow-up appointment a week later, consulting with Dr. Thuy. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

According to Dr. Khang, myxomas account for 0.01-0.2% of cardiac surgeries. 75% of these are benign. These tumors often occur in the left atrium, although some are found in the right atrium or ventricles. The primary risks associated with myxomas include mechanical obstruction (mitral valve, left ventricular outflow tract) causing sudden death, distant embolism (tumor fragments traveling through the bloodstream and blocking distant vessels such as those in the brain, limbs, or organs), and local damage (mitral valve damage, conduction disorders). Patients may be asymptomatic, while others experience systemic symptoms such as weight loss, fever, fainting, or sudden death.

Doctors recommend that everyone, especially those with unusual symptoms or older adults, undergo thorough checkups at specialized medical centers for early diagnosis and timely treatment. Echocardiography is the standard method for diagnosing myxomas.

Ngoc Chau