Pericardial cysts and removal

[crazyornot]

I have a pericardial cyst. I have dyspnea. A ct was done and the cyst was discovered. After doing research, I discovered that a pericardial cyst can cause tachycardia, hypertension, dyspnea, pain, and palpitations. I have all of those problems and have had them for about 3-4 yrs. According to my dr.'s, they don't want to remove it because it's not large enough. So, how is it possible to know what size a cyst needs to be to cause the symptoms a person has? Why wouldn't a smaller cyst cause the problems I'm having? How can they know that it's not responsible? And who should I go to if I want to have it removed even if my Dr. wants to let it get larger than a grapefruit?

[sincerely12]

Who did your surgery, a heart or lung specialist?  I have been told the lung surgeon is more qualified which confuses me. Shouldn't the cyst be removed by cardiac surgeon since the cyst stems from the heart? I don't know the best decision as the lung surgeon's website shows no experiencd with the heart.

[Kareine]

I was diagnosed with a pericardial cyst 3 years ago. It was 9.7cm a year ago. Now it is 6.4cm which is still large. I live in Knoxville Tennessee. I'm having trouble finding a cardio surgeon who has had experience removing these since they are so rare. Last Saturday I was taken to ER by ambulance thinking I was having a heart attack. I wasn't , Thank God. They did a CT on my chest with contrast and found some fluid under right lung base, along with the cyst still there, but has decreased in size. I am concerned about having this pericardial cyst removed, because it is a risky surgery. I don't know anyone here that has had one that I can talk to. How are you doing Now? Can you tell me about the surgery and post surgery. They aren't sure where the fluid is coming from, may've another problem or from the cyst.  This is a challenge because it is so rare. I am thinking about getting a consult at Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN. Thank you so much for your info.

[Kareine]

Could you tell me who did your surgery? I have a large pericardial cyst was 9.7 CM now 6.4CM. How did the surgery go and post surgery.  Having trouble finding a Dr. with experience.  Also fluid under right lung base. Thank you for your info.

[tanyasgrama03]

I had a large pericardial cyst about 7×1 cm, removed last week via VATS. It had grown a lot within 6 mos and was causing heart and lung problems. I went to an urgent care clinic and the doc there was very concerned so she ordered the CT. I can't believe so many other drs say to ignore it, my lung specialist said if it would have been in longer my lung would have died, I was having chest pain,tachycardia, weightloss and a bit of high blood pressure and pneumonia symptoms.  A cardio-thorasic surgeon is the one that performed my surgery. Worst part of the surgery was the chest tube and the pain on my wrist from the arterial line.

[Whiner_moper]

I too have a pericardial cyst I actually am seeing the sergeon tomorrow my concern / question is after the surgery is over and am on my way to recovery what is my likely hood of still having the pain and breathing problem my cardiologist  keeps saying what if you still are having the pain after for those who have had these surgerys did you have relief after the removal of the cyst

[Whiner_moper]

Although your surgery was back in 2012 just wondering if you've had resolution to your systems