A pic of a Left Atrial Myxoma

I found a great illustration of what the Dr. thinks I have.  The myxoma the Dr thinks I have starts more with a stem with the tumor blob (like my fancy medical terminology?) on the end than in this pic, but the location is the same.  This helps to see how the tumor is IN my heart, but is still easily accessible.    Enjoy!

Left atrial myxoma

A myxoma is a benign tumor in the heart most commonly found in the left atrium. About 75% of myxomas are in the left atrium, usually beginning in the wall that divides the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) and growing into the atrium. Treatment is necessary to avoid metastasis and the formation of clots. In addition, untreated growth of the tumor can obstruct blood flow through the heart. Myxomas are curable with surgical removal.
Review Date: 6/1/2010.
Reviewed by: Issam Mikati, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Director, Northwestern Clinic Echocardiography Lab, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.