OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical characterizations and outcome of surgical treatment of primary heart neoplasms.

METHODSThe clinical data of cardiac neoplasms were analyzed retrospectively in 232 patients. There were 14 malignant tumors (6.0%) and 218 benign tumors (94.0%), of which 200 were left atrial myxomas (86.2%). Palpitation and dyspnea on exertion added up to 87.1% (202/232) of all clinical symptoms. Two hundred and twenty-three out of 230 patients underwent complete removal of the tumors, remaining 2 patients had partial removal. Five patients received biopsy only. Other procedures had done in the same stage including 5 cases with mitral valve replacement, 1 case with pulmonary arterial valve replacement, 5 cases with thrombectomy through the Fogarty catheter.

RESULTSTwo cases died preoperatively operation. Three cases died intraoperative operation. One hundred and eighty-five cases were followed up for 6 months to 24 years, of which 10 malignant tumors died in 1 year and 1 malignant case recurred after 4 months. Of 174 benign neoplasms, 1 case recurred and 10 cases were dead, remaining were cured.

CONCLUSIONSLeft atrial myxomas are most commonly seen in patients with primary heart neoplasms. Palpitation and dyspnea on exertion are the most frequent symptoms. It is suggested that the patients should accept surgical treatment as soon as possible once the diagnosis is confirmed. Surgical treatment is effective for the benign cardiac tumors. Prognosis is poor in patients with malignant cardiac tumors.