A heart tumor, also known as a cardiac tumor, is an abnormal growth in the heart. It can develop almost anywhere in the heart: inside one of the heart’s chambers, in the outside wall, or in the heart muscle itself.
Heart tumors are rare in children. Most are noncancerous (benign) and will not spread. However, depending on their location and size, some benign tumors can still cause problems with how the heart works by blocking the flow of blood and causing an abnormal heartbeat.
A smaller number of heart tumors are cancerous (malignant).
What Are the Most Common Benign Heart Tumors in Children?
- Rhabdomyomas: Rhabdomyomas typically form in the inside walls of the heart. Usually, there is more than one. These tumors mostly occur in children. Up to 75% are in children with a rare genetic disease called tuberous sclerosis, which causes tumors to form throughout the body. Rhabdomyomas often shrink and disappear on their own during childhood, and do not require special treatment.
- Fibromas: Fibromas are typically found on the inner wall of the heart’s lower chambers. They usually occur in infants and children. Depending on their size and location, fibromas can cause problems with the heart valves, disrupting how blood moves through the heart and to the rest of the body. They can also affect the heart’s electrical system, causing an abnormal heartbeat. Fibromas may require surgery.
- Myxomas typically form in the upper chambers of the heart. In young children, they’re very rare. They occur more frequently in teenagers, and are the most common heart tumor in adults.
- Teratomas are most often found in the heart sac (pericardium), the tight covering that surrounds the heart muscle. Usually, they occur at the base of the heart, where the aorta and pulmonary artery are attached. Depending on their size and location, they can block the flow of blood into these arteries and cause other problems.
- Lipomas are tumors made up of fat cells. In the heart, these types of tumors usually form in the membrane that lines the inside of the heart’s chambers.
What Are the Most Common Malignant Heart Tumors in Children?
Malignant, or cancerous, tumors are extremely rare in children. When they do occur, these are the most common types.
- Sarcomas such as rhabdomyosarcomas, which form in muscle tissue
- Angiosarcomas, which can form in the heart chambers, most often in the right upper chamber
- Fibrosarcomas, which form in connective tissues
- Liposarcomas, which form in fat cells
- Primary lymphomas, which affect immune cells