[Surgical Resection of Metastatic Cardiac Tumors].

Abstract

We report two cases of metastatic cardiac tumors managed surgically. Case 1 involved a 52-year-old man with colorectal cancer and pulmonary metastases who developed respiratory distress during chemoradiotherapy. Imaging revealed a right atrial mass extending into the right ventricle. Mass reduction of the intracardiac tumor was surgically performed to reduce embolic risk and to enable subsequent chemotherapy. Postoperative chemotherapy resulted in complete remission without recurrence. Case 2 involved a 50-year-old woman with cervical cancer who experienced worsening dyspnea during treatment. Positron emission tomography (PET) and echocardiography identified a tumor extending from the right atrium to the pulmonary artery. As complete resection was unfeasible, mass reduction with tricuspid valve replacement was performed, followed by chemotherapy. The patient remains alive. Pathology confirmed metastatic cardiac tumors in both cases. These tumors present variably depending on the primary cancer and metastatic pattern, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. In symptomatic cases, especially with heart failure or embolism, prompt surgical intervention is critical. Mass reduction can relieve symptoms and improve survival. A focused literature review is also included to support clinical decision-making.