Iranian Heart Journal

Iranian Heart Journal

Rare Benign Cardiac Tumors and Tumor-Like Conditions in Children and Adults: A 5-Year Histopathological Study From Rajaie Cardiovascular Institute

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mahshid Hesami 1
Azin Alizadehasl 2
Saeid Hosseini 3
Golnar Mortaz Hejri 4
Shahpour Geravandpoor 1
Kambiz Mozaffari 1
1 Cardiovascular Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Institute, Tehran, Iran.
2 Cardio-Oncology Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Institute, Tehran, Iran.
3 Heart Valve Disease Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Institute, Tehran, Iran.
4 Congenital Heart Diseases Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Institute, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Background: Cardiac tumors are extremely rare conditions encompassing a diverse range of mass lesions, including primary tumors originating from the heart and great vessels, metastatic tumors, and tumor-like lesions that do not fit the conventional definition of a tumor or neoplasm. In contrast to metastatic tumors, primary cardiac tumors and tumor-like lesions are rare, with most primary neoplasms being benign.
 
Methods: A histopathological study was conducted among all patients who presented to Rajaie Cardiovascular Institute between 2020 and 2025. Data were collected from surgical pathology records to identify relevant cases.
 
Results: Among 28 patients diagnosed with benign cardiac tumors and tumor-like conditions (excluding myxomas), 15 were male, and 13 were female. The identified benign tumors included rhabdomyoma, fibroma, papillary fibroelastoma, lipoma, lymphangioma, capillary hemangioma, and cavernous hemangioma. Additionally, two cystic lesions-a pericardial mesothelial cyst and a hydatid cyst-were noted, along with a case of a fungal ball.
 
Conclusions: All cardiac tumors should undergo histologic examination to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy, thereby aiding the development of the most effective treatment strategy. (Iranian Heart Journal 2026; 27(1): 37-51)
Keywords
rare benign tumors
rhabdomyoma
papillary fibroelastoma
pericardial cyst
fibroma
fungal ball
hydatid cyst
lymphangioma
hemangioma
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Iranian Heart Journal
Volume 27, Issue 1
Winter 2026
Pages 37-51