Primary Tumors Hard to Diagnose Primary heart tumors are
difficult to diagnose because they are so rare. They may be
suspected, though, in those who are having heart murmurs,
arrhythmias, unexplained fevers or unexplained symptoms of heart
failure. Secondary Tumors Suspect in Those with Cancer Secondary
heart tumors are suspected when people who have cancer in other
places in the body are exhibiting symptoms of heart disorders.
Heart tumors can be detected by any of the following tests:
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan This test delivers computer-
generated, x-ray images of structures inside the body. Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan MRI uses magnets and radio waves to
make images of the inside of your body. This test uses sound
waves to create a moving picture of the heart. The picture is
much more detailed than x-ray image and involves no radiation
exposure. A test in which a thin tube called a catheter is
snaked into a blood vessel and a contrast due is injected to
make the vessels visible on x-ray.