Our team of hundreds of leading cancer physicians and oncology-trained support staff is a trusted partner in returning patients with cancer to good health.
Intracardiac Cancer
New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300
UT Southwestern Medical Center’s cancer experts use the most advanced techniques and technologies to diagnose and care for patients with intracardiac tumors. We work closely with our colleagues in cardiothoracic surgery to provide complete care for these tumors of the heart.
As the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas, we deliver the best cancer care available today and push to discover new treatments. NCI designation means we offer patients the ability to participate in the broadest possible range of clinical trials, with access to potential therapies not available at other facilities.

A Skilled Team for a Complex Cancer
Intracardiac cancer occurs in the heart muscle. Most intracardiac tumors develop as a result of a primary cancer in another part of the body that spreads (metastasizes) to the heart. Those that develop as primary cancers are typically soft-tissue sarcomas, which are very rare.
UT Southwestern’s skilled chest (thoracic) cancer specialists – who often work closely with their colleagues in cardiothoracic surgery – are skilled and experienced in diagnosing and treating this complex disease.
Causes and Symptoms
In most cases, intracardiac cancer results from cell overgrowth that either starts in or moves to the heart. These types of tumors can run in families or be related to another health condition, such as carney complex.
Many patients have no symptoms related to intracardiac cancer. In some cases, the tumor can block blood flow through the heart, which can cause shortness of breath, a cough, or even a stroke.
Diagnosing Intracardiac Cancer
Sometimes intracardiac tumors are discovered inadvertently when a patient has a echocardiogram for another reason. In other cases, a doctor will conduct a physical examination and order cardiac imaging tests to diagnose intracardiac cancer.
These tests might include:
- Chest X-ray: X-rays help visualize abnormalities in
the heart.
- Contrast
enhanced or multidetector computed tomography (CT) scan: CT technology helps physicians visualize
the location and extent of intracardiac cancer.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI helps physicians identify suspicious
areas that could indicate intracardiac cancer and learn if, and how far, it has
spread.
- Positron
emission tomography (PET): Cancer cells absorb large amounts of radioactive sugar used in this
technique, and a special camera creates images of that radioactivity, enabling
physicians to identify cancerous cells in the heart.
- Endoscopic ultrasonography: This technology maps sound waves to enable physicians to visualize intracardiac cancer.
Additional testing might include a tissue sample (biopsy) of cardiac tissue to determine the presence of cancer.
Treatment for Intracardiac Cancer
The risk of harming the health and function of the heart makes intracardiac cancer particularly challenging to treat. Treatment options depend on the cancer’s precise location and stage; the patient’s overall health, goals, and preferences; and other factors.
At UT Southwestern, we typically use image-guided, highly precise surgical techniques to resect (remove) intracardiac tumors.
Support Services
To treat the whole patient, not just the cancer, UT Southwestern offers other resources patients might need during the cancer journey, such as nutrition counseling, support groups for patients and their families, specialized physical therapy and rehabilitation, lifestyle education, genetic counseling, and more.
Clinical Trials
Depending on the cause and extent of the intracardiac cancer, some patients might be eligible to participate in clinical trials of new treatments for the disease. UT Southwestern conducts clinical trials aimed at improving the care and outcomes of patients with intracardiac cancer. Patients should speak with their doctor about this option.
Related Conditions and Treatments
Find a Clinical Trial
We have a wide range of clinical trials open to patients with all stages of cancer. Search for opportunities to participate in a cancer study.
Award-Winning Care
We’re one of the world’s top academic medical centers, with a unique legacy of innovation in patient care and scientific discovery.
Related Clinics
Showing 3 locations
University Hospital Radiation Oncology Clinic
at Radiation Oncology Building 2280 Inwood RoadDallas, Texas 75390 214-645-8525 Directions
University Hospital Radiation Oncology Clinic - Moncrief Building
Moncrief Building5801 Forest Park Road
Dallas, Texas 75390 214-645-8525 Directions Parking Info
University Hospital Surgical Oncology Clinic - Thoracic Surgery
at Seay Biomedical Building 2201 Inwood Road, 3rd Floor, Suite 500Dallas, Texas 75390 214-645-4673 Directions Parking Info