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?

[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.

[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.

[sincerely12]

I'm curious also about the dangers. I also need surgery but dr.'s waiver on confidence of removal and who is best suited. It's so frustrating to not know what risks are worth it with these conditions. I wish the experience was as certain as their confidence.

[crazywoman26]

I read your comment on the removal of your pericardical cyst .  I have just had my second CT and now confirmed that my cyst is on the left side and 16 cm large. Since these seem to be rare I cannot find anyone that has experience in the removal of this type of cyst.  Where did you have yours done? Did you find any research on how to find surgeons with experience in this procedure.
I hope to hear from you ASAP to be able to get some peace of mind

[aj984]

I live in GA and Dr. Gott in Atlanta removed mine in 2011 ....Wonderful doctor wonderful hospital ....

[pat81670]

What did you do to get your heart surgeon to even perform the surgery?  I've been back & forth with my primary care doctor who vacillates between "not to worry about it" to it is big".  I've had chest X-rays and a CT Scan.  I thought I found a thoracic surgeon who was willing to see me (2nd opinion), but he wanted to see results of MRI first.  Of course, the MRI was denied because the health insurance team deemed it "medically unnecessary".  The size of my cyst is 2.3 x 3.2 cm, and I do have some discomfort.  I saw a cardiologist, had a echocardiogram, and a pulmonary function and stress test, but nobody's hair is on fire about this.  What does a person have to do to get this surgery?!?!?  thank you.