I am a private practice ABCRS board-certified colon and rectal surgeon practicing in Fort Worth, Texas. I have published and presented through the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and through Intech Open. Full CV/bio available on request.
Cardiac tumors represent an unusual clinical problem in that they are often discovered as an incidental finding during a routine echocardiogram or in the course of a work-up for a source of embolism. Malignant tumors of the heart are either defined as primary or metastatic from an extra-cardiac primary source—regardless, the prognosis is poor. However, there are several cardiac tumors that are characterized as being non-malignant with regard to their tumor biology, but their tendencies to cause embolic or obstructive complications can be just as catastrophic despite a lack of invasiveness or potential to metastasize. The purpose of this chapter is to review the common types of non-malignant cardiac tumors with regard to their incidence, presentation, potential for complications, and management—with emphasis on surgical indications and techniques.
Part of the book: Embolic Disease