Summary
Definition
Myxoma is the most common cardiac tumor and constitutes 50% of all benign cardiac tumors in adults, but only 15% of such tumors in children. About 75% to 90% of primary cardiac tumors are benign. Most myxomas are found in the left atrium (75%) and, in decreasing frequencies, in the right atrium (18%), right ventricle (3% to 4%), and left ventricle (3% to 4%).[1] [Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Large left atrial myxomaFrom the collection of Dr Syed Wamique Yusuf, Department of Cardiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; used with permission [Citation ends].
[Figure caption and citation for the preceding image starts]: Macroscopic view of a left atrial myxomaR Al-Shahi Salman, D Northridge, ANJ Graham, R Grant. BMJ Case Reports 2009; doi:10.1136/bcr.09.2008.0875 [Citation ends].
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- dyspnea
- syncope
- dizziness
- congestive heart failure or pulmonary edema
- embolic manifestations
- systolic or diastolic murmur
- tumor plop
Other diagnostic factors
- weight loss
- fatigue
- fever
- pallor
- arthralgia
- Raynaud phenomenon
- loud first heart sound
- opening snap
- Carney complex
- intracerebral aneurysm
Risk factors
- family history of atrial myxoma
- female sex
- age 40-60 years
Diagnostic tests
1st tests to order
- echocardiogram
- ECG
- CBC
- CXR
Tests to consider
- erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- C-reactive protein
- protein electrophoresis
- CT scan (chest)
- MRI scan (chest)
- excision biopsy
Treatment algorithm
surgical candidate
nonsurgical candidate
Contributors
Authors
Syed Wamique Yusuf, MBBS, FRCPI
Professor of Medicine
Department of Cardiology
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
Disclosures
SWY declares that he has no competing interests.
Acknowledgements
Dr Syed Wamique Yusuf would like to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Dr Daniel J. Lenihan.
Disclosures
DJL declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Suresh Keshavamurthy, MD, FACS
Surgical Director of the Lung Transplant Program
Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
Associate Professor
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, TX
Disclosures
SK declares that he has no competing interests.
Barry Kneale, MD, FRCP
Integrated Lead Cardiologist
Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust and Cardiac Department
Worthing Hospital
Worthing
UK
Disclosures
BK declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewer acknowledgements
BMJ Best Practice topics are updated on a rolling basis in line with developments in evidence and guidance. The peer reviewers listed here have reviewed the content at least once during the history of the topic.
Disclosures
Peer reviewer affiliations and disclosures pertain to the time of the review.
References
Key articles
Okongwu CC, Olaofe OO. Cardiac myxoma: a comprehensive review. J Cardiothorac Surg. 2025 Mar 13;20(1):151.Full text Abstract
Edwards A, Bermudez C, Piwonka G, et al. Carney's syndrome: complex myxomas. Report of four cases and review of the literature. Cardiovasc Surg. 2002 Jun;10(3):264-75. Abstract
Pinede L, Duhaut P, Loire R. Clinical presentation of left atrial cardiac myxoma. A series of 112 consecutive cases. Medicine (Baltimore). 2001 May;80(3):159-72. Abstract
Expert Panel on Cardiac Imaging, Rajiah PS, Hanneman K, et al. ACR appropriateness criteria® evaluation of cardiac masses. J Am Coll Radiol. 2026 Apr;23(4):637-57.Full text Abstract
Reference articles
A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available to users with access to all of BMJ Best Practice.
Differentials
- Mitral stenosis
- Infective endocarditis
- Atrial thrombus
More Differentials
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