Most common primary cardiac tumour?
**Core Concept**
Primary cardiac tumors are rare, benign or malignant growths that originate from the heart itself, rather than metastasizing from other sites. The majority of cardiac tumors are benign, with the most common type being myxomas.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is myxomas, which are the most common primary cardiac tumor, accounting for approximately 50% of all primary cardiac tumors. Myxomas are typically benign, slow-growing tumors that arise from the endocardium, often in the atria, particularly the left atrium. They can cause symptoms due to embolization of tumor fragments, obstruction of blood flow, or compression of surrounding structures. Myxomas are often associated with a familial syndrome known as Carney complex.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Rhabdomyomas are the most common primary cardiac tumor in children, but they are relatively rare in adults.
* **Option B:** Fibromas are a type of benign cardiac tumor, but they are less common than myxomas.
* **Option C:** Papillary fibroelastomas are a type of benign cardiac tumor, but they are typically smaller and less common than myxomas.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The classic presentation of a primary cardiac myxoma includes symptoms such as dyspnea, palpitations, and embolic phenomena, often with a characteristic "tumor plop" on auscultation.
**Correct Answer: D. Myxomas**