My brother has a tumor near the heart. Can we operate it?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern regarding your brother’s fatty tumor located near the heart, especially with it measuring 6.7 mm deep to the deep fascia.

Based on the description, this appears to be a lipoma, which is typically a benign (non-cancerous) fatty growth. So you do not have to worry about it.

Lipomas in or around the chest wall, even if close to the heart, are usually not dangerous if they are not infiltrating vital structures or causing symptoms such as chest pain, compression of nearby vessels, or breathing difficulties.

I feel surgery is generally safe when performed by a skilled cardiothoracic surgeon, especially if imaging studies like MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan can confirm the mass is well-encapsulated and not adherent to critical cardiovascular structures.

The decision to operate depends on symptoms, tumor behavior, growth over time, and precise location. If the mass is stable, painless, and not interfering with heart or lung function, conservative management may be appropriate.

I suggest you get a consultation with a cardiothoracic surgeon who can review the imaging in detail and advise whether surgical removal is necessary or if monitoring is sufficient.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.