If you have cancer near your heart limit, you are at increased risk of developing serious conditions. This type of cancer is extremely difficult to treat, as it returns after treatment and often spreads to other parts of the body. A patient with this type of cancer has an average lifespan of less than six months, though some survivors have lived for years after surgery to remove the tumor. Researchers are still looking for ways to detect cancer early, and the symptoms of heart cancer may be the first clues to a potential diagnosis. If you notice changes in your heart rhythm or shortness of breath, you may have heart cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to contact a physician immediately.
A primary heart cancer usually affects men between the ages of thirty and fifty. Women are slightly more likely to develop this condition, but men are at greater risk. Some people with AIDS are also at higher risk for this type of cancer. About nine out of ten primary heart cancers in adults are angiosarcoma. Some studies suggest that radiation and some toxins may be associated with angiosarcoma. Other subtypes of sarcoma, or cancerous tumors, may occur in the heart or great vessels.
Rhabdomyosarcomas, which arise from striated cardiac muscle, are the most common type of heart tumor in children. They are common in males and females and account for about 20% of all cardiac tumors. Rhabdomyosarcomas tend to grow invasively and often invade neighboring organs. Some rhabdomyosarcomas have spread to the pericardium and pleura.
Another type of cancer near the heart limit is myxomas. These tumors are multipotent mesenchymal cells that occur in the subendocardial tissues. They tend to occur in middle age and are more common in women. They are common in children, and comprise 10% of benign tumors in children. They are the most common type of cancer near the heart limit and are often found in women. If they do happen to affect a person, they should seek medical attention.
While this condition is often overlooked, it is crucial to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms can include pericardial effusion, which restricts the motion of the heart. If this condition is not identified early, you may develop cardiac tamponade, which is a life-threatening condition. If you suspect pericardial effusion, your doctor may perform a cardiac echocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis.
If a patient’s cancer is not too far advanced, total artificial heart surgery is a last resort. While it is considered a last resort in young patients with tumors, it has significant risks including hemorrhages, thromboses, infections, and embolisms. For some patients, heart transplantation may be their only option. However, doctors must rule out the possibility of micrometastases or distant metastases before performing a heart transplant.
