Atrial Myxoma

An atrial myxoma is a heart tumor, generally benign, that most often develops in the left atrium. Although it is not cancerous, its location can interfere with blood flow within the heart.

Common symptoms: shortness of breath, fatigue, palpitations, or fainting, which sometimes change depending on the position of the body.

How it is detected: it is usually identified through imaging studies of the heart, at times after symptoms appear or after findings on a checkup.

Which specialist treats it? A cardiologist evaluates it and, when the lesion needs to be addressed, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon; in minors the pediatric cardiologist takes part. With unexplained cardiac symptoms, the most sensible thing is to seek a professional evaluation as soon as possible.