PRIMARY CARDIAC SARCOMAS - A REPORT OF 3 CASES AND A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT LITERATURE

Primary cardiac sarcomas are uncommon but they may mimic a wide range of common cardiac pathologies by their modes of presentation. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for non-metastatic disease however, the incidence of tumour recurrence and late metastases is high. For metastatic disease, the response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy is poor and surgery should be reserved for palliation where appropriate. The emphasis should be on early diagnosis of primary cardiac sarcoma, enabling prompt and relevant management.