Overview
Primary adult heart tumors are rare growths that start directly in the heart tissue of adults. They are different from tumors that spread to the heart from other parts of the body (called secondary or metastatic tumors). Heart tumors can be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The most common benign primary heart tumor in adults is called a cardiac myxoma, while the most common malignant primary heart tumor is called a cardiac sarcoma. These tumors can grow in any of the heart's chambers or walls and may affect how well the heart pumps blood. Symptoms depend on where the tumor is located and how large it has grown. Some people have no symptoms at all, while others experience shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or fainting. Tumors can block blood flow inside the heart, cause blood clots to travel to the brain or other organs, or interfere with the heart's electrical system. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor when possible. For malignant tumors, surgery may be combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Early detection is very important because some heart tumors can cause life-threatening complications if left untreated. The outlook varies widely depending on whether the tumor is benign or malignant and how early it is found.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Shortness of breath, especially during activity or when lying flatChest pain or pressureIrregular or rapid heartbeat (palpitations)Unexplained fainting or near-fainting spellsExtreme tiredness or fatigueSwelling in the legs or anklesFever, weight loss, or night sweats (more common with malignant tumors)Stroke-like symptoms such as sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speakingCoughing, sometimes with bloodDizziness or lightheadednessA heart murmur detected by a doctor
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
FDA & Trial Timeline
7 eventsDana-Farber Cancer Institute — NA
University College, London — NA
Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
University Health Network, Toronto — NA
Samara State Medical University — NA
Anne Murray
Gustave Roussy, Cancer Campus, Grand Paris — NA
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Primary adult heart tumor.
3 clinical trialsare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Primary adult heart tumor.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Primary adult heart tumor.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Primary adult heart tumor
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: Acalabrutinib Monotherapy vs Investigator's Choice of Treatment in Patients With CL Leukaemia and Heart Failure
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Primary adult heart tumor
New recruiting trial: Cardiovascular Health in Adult Patients With Cancer Exposed to Cardiotoxic Therapies
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Primary adult heart tumor
New recruiting trial: In-Bedroom Renewed Air as Anti-inflammatory Adjuvant Therapy in Cancer Survivors
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Primary adult heart tumor
New recruiting trial: The HIMALAYAS Trial and Lifestyle Changes in Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors Study: A Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Primary adult heart tumor
New recruiting trial: Clinical and Diagnostic Significance of Endothelial Dysfunction and Myocardial Contractility in Patients With AML
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Primary adult heart tumor
New recruiting trial: Study of Coronary Calcium Score as a Marker of Post-radiation Vascular Dysplasia in Adults Treated During Childhood for Cancer With Mediastinal Irradiation
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Primary adult heart tumor
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Is my tumor benign or malignant, and what does that mean for my treatment and outlook?,Should I be tested for Carney complex or other genetic conditions that might be related to my tumor?,What are my surgical options, and what are the risks of the operation?,Will I need chemotherapy or radiation in addition to surgery?,How often will I need follow-up imaging to check if the tumor comes back?,Are there any clinical trials I might be eligible for?,Should my family members be screened for heart tumors or related conditions?
Common questions about Primary adult heart tumor
What is Primary adult heart tumor?
Primary adult heart tumors are rare growths that start directly in the heart tissue of adults. They are different from tumors that spread to the heart from other parts of the body (called secondary or metastatic tumors). Heart tumors can be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The most common benign primary heart tumor in adults is called a cardiac myxoma, while the most common malignant primary heart tumor is called a cardiac sarcoma. These tumors can grow in any of the heart's chambers or walls and may affect how well the heart pumps blood. Symptoms depend on where the tu
At what age does Primary adult heart tumor typically begin?
Typical onset of Primary adult heart tumor is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Are there clinical trials for Primary adult heart tumor?
Yes — 3 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Primary adult heart tumor on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Primary adult heart tumor?
6 specialists and care centers treating Primary adult heart tumor are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.