Diagnosis
Cardiac tumors often mimic other heart diseases, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Cardiac tumors are difficult to diagnose also because of their variety and rarity. If your doctor suspects you may have a cardiac tumor, he or she may recommend any of the following procedures:
Blood Tests
Complete Blood Count (CBC) measures levels of different cell types and determines the volume of red blood cells and hemoglobin in a persons blood. The CBD typically includes white blood cells (protect against infection), platelets (help repair vessel injury and stops bleeding) and hemoglobin (carries oxygen).
Chest X-ray & Ultrasound
A chest X-ray uses electromagnetic waves to create pictures of the inside of your body. Your doctor will order a chest X-ray to check any suspicious areas in your lungs. If your chest X-ray looks suspicious in any way, your doctor will order additional tests.
Echocardiogram
Ultrasound waves produce an “echo” that creates an animated picture of the heart. This is the main tool used to detect a cardiac mass.
Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to produce an image of your body. They are not the same as a regular CT scan, rather they are gated, meaning the doctors obtain images based on the patient's heart rhythm. A special dye may be injected into your veins and you may be asked to drink a special fluid in order to make the internal organs stand out. A CT scan produces clear images of the soft tissues of the body, and can help a doctor determine if a bone tumor has grown into nearby tissues such as fat, muscles or tendons. A CT scan can also help determine if the cancer has spread to other sites.
Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnet to create clear and detailed images of body parts. They are not the same as a regular MRI, rather they are gated, meaning doctors obtain images based on the patient's heart rhythm. Radio waves are absorbed by the body and then released in a certain pattern, which is translated by a computer in order to show "slices" of the body. If the doctor notices an abnormality on a bone X-ray, he or she may order an MRI to inspect it more closely. MRIs show the bone and soft tissue in much more detail than plain X-rays and can help doctors determine the extent of the cancer.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
A device used to record the heart’s electrical activity on graph paper. A computer draws the picture using information from the electrodes.
Coronary Angiography and Cardiac Catheterization
An angiogram uses X-ray contrast to examine the blood vessels (veins or arteries) in the body. A cardiac catheterization allows the doctor to evaluate heart function through an invasive imaging procedure.
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram (CTA)
CTA is a noninvasive method used to detect blockages in the coronary arteries. During CTA, x-rays passing through the body are detected by a scanner that produces 3D images on a computer. These images allow physicians to detect the presence of calcium or plaque deposits in the artery walls.
Radionuclide Imaging
This test is a noninvasive examination of the heart using a radioactive substance and a special camera. The substance is referred to as a tracer, and is injected into your blood and used to help create an image of the heart. This test can determine if blood is properly flowing through the heart and can be used to look for damaged heart muscle.
