How a Myxoma Can Block Blood Flow in the Heart

A myxoma is an irregularly shaped noncancerous tumor that is usually found in the left atrium of the heart. It often grows from a stalk and swings freely with the flow of blood. As a result, the myxoma can obstruct the mitral valve, decreasing the flow of oxygen-enriched blood from the left atrium into the left ventricle. Oxygen-depleted (blue) blood is pumped from the heart to the lungs, which supply oxygen; oxygen- enriched (red) blood returns from the lungs to the heart and is pumped throughout the body.