Pericardial Cysts & Tumors

The pericardium is a tough, double-layered fluid-filled protective sac that covers the heart. Tumors or extra growths can form in the pericardium, which can be benign or malignant (can spread to other organs). Pericadial cysts are the most common benign tumors. They are rare congenital anomalies (birth defects), characterized by the out-pouching of the pericardial membrane. Both cysts and tumors can compress the neighboring organs and cause symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, cough, chest pain and heaviness in the chest. However, they are generally asymptomatic and may be diagnosed incidentally with imaging tests such as X-rays, CT and MRI scans. Pericardial tumors and cysts can be treated with:

• Percutaneous aspiration: Draining of the cyst
• Ethanol sclerosis: Injecting ethanol to cause cell death
• Open thoracotomy surgery or minimally invasive video-assisted thoracotomy (VATS): Surgical resection of the growth

NMC Heartcare provides specialized and experienced interventional cardiologists and the best available quality treatments. For further information regarding Pericardial Cysts and Tumors, please contact NMC Heartcare.