Myxoma

A myxoma (New Latin from Greek muxa 'mucus') is a myxoid tumor of primitive connective tissue. It is most commonly found in the heart (and is the most common primary tumor of the heart in adults) but can also occur in other locations. Table below: 1.SMA, smooth muscle actin. 2.MSA, muscle-specific actin. 3.EMA, epithelial membrane antigen. Symptoms associated with cardiac myxomas are typically due to the effect of the mass of the tumor obstructing the normal flow of blood within the chambers of the heart. Because pedunculated myxomas are somewhat mobile, symptoms may only occur when the patient is in a particular position. Some symptoms of myxoma may be associated with the release of interleukin 6 (IL-6) by the myxoma. High levels of IL-6 may be associated with a higher risk of embolism of the myxoma. Symptoms of a cardiac myxoma include: Dyspnea on exertion Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea Fever Weight loss (see cachexia) Lightheadedness or syncope (Loss of consciousness) Hemoptysis Sudden death Tachycardia or milder heartrate, i.e. 75–100 cycl/min Myxoma is a rare, benign stromal tumor of mesenchymal origin often confused with other conjunctival stromal tumors. Conjunctival myxomas are thought to originate in Tenon's capsule and can masquerade as conjunctival lymphoma, lymphangioma, ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN), or amelanotic melanoma. Atrial myxoma Cutaneous myxoma Odontogenic myxoma Myxomas are usually located in either the left or right atrium of the heart; about 86 percent occur in the left atrium. Myxomas are typically pedunculated, with a stalk that is attached to the interatrial septum. The most common location for attachment of the stalk is the fossa ovalis region of the interatrial septum. An atrial myxoma may create an extra heart sound, audible to auscultation just after S2. It is most seen on echocardiography, as a pedunculated mass that is heterogeneous in appearance. A left atrial myxoma will cause an increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure.