CARDIAC NEOPLASMS: PREVALENCE AND EARLY DIAGNOSIS

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Primary cardiac tumors are rare neoplasms with high mortality rates that originate within the heart itself, mainly affecting young women. They are difficult to evaluate scientifically due to the vital function of the heart and the potential for serious health problems. These tumors can be benign or malignant, with primary types including myxomas, fibromas and sarcomas, and secondary types originating from other parts of the body. Sarcomas are the primary malignant cardiac tumors with a high mortality rate compared to benign tumors, with sarcomas being the most common type. QUESTION: In this sense, the guiding question of the research arises: does knowing the prevalence of cardiac neoplasms as well as their primary and secondary subtypes make it possible to promote a better prognosis for the patient? HYPOTHESIS: A detailed understanding of the different subgroups of cardiac tumors is essential to create effective therapies and improve patient prognoses, since accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and patient care, since results and treatment approaches vary greatly depending on the type of tumor. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of benign and malignant primary cardiac neoplasms as a way to increase knowledge about their subtypes, effective diagnostic methods, and better prognosis and treatment. METHODOLOGY: An exploratory, cross-sectional study was conducted through a literature review in the following databases: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Pubmed. The following descriptors were used: Sarcoma, Cardiac neoplasms, and Cardiac tumors, in English and Portuguese. RESULTS: The main results were that malignant tumors are more prevalent than benign tumors, with sarcoma being the most common. The main diagnostic tools include imaging techniques such as echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography, which provide detailed information about the size, location, and nature of the tumor. CONCLUSIONS: Computed Magnetic Resonance Imaging was the most assertive method for identifying the type of neoplasm. Biopsy is a histopathological analysis necessary to confirm the diagnosis and identify the type of tumor. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are vital to prevent complications and improve survival rates, making advances in diagnostic methods an important focus in cardiac oncology research. RECOMMENDATIONS: It is suggested that a meta-analysis be performed to evaluate the main tumor subtypes and age groups of involvement.