Cancer that affects the heart is rare. It usually affects epithelial tissues (linings of organs), rather than the connective tissue that lines the heart. But heart cancers are more likely to spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and lungs. Fortunately, most cancers that affect the heart are curable with surgery. Read on to learn about the warning signs and symptoms of cancer in the heart.
While the heart is a common site for tumors, most of the time, these are benign. In fact, about half of all cardiac tumors are benign. However, cancer that spreads to the heart is 30 times more likely to become metastatic. Primary cardiac tumors are usually sarcomas, with 25% being malignant. Children usually have tumors of heart muscle cells called rhabdomyomas. A diagnosis of rhabdomyoma should be sought as soon as possible to prevent the disease from spreading.
Although primary cardiac tumors are rare, they can be deadly to young patients. For this reason, early detection is key. Early surgical intervention is recommended, as well as systemic chemotherapy, if necessary. And because metastases are typically metastatic and not primary, there is a high likelihood that the tumor will be curable with surgical intervention. The best way to treat cancer near the heart is to find an experienced center that specializes in treating heart tumors.
In addition to imaging tests, doctors may also perform an ultrasound to determine if a tumor is present in the heart. This test allows a doctor to determine the size and location of the tumor in the heart. If the test confirms the tumor, a biopsy of a small piece of the tumor is required. Once the tumor has been identified, a doctor will perform further tests to determine whether it is cancer. This procedure can also help determine the type of tumor that’s in the heart.
Another type of cancer that affects the heart is angiosarcoma. These are cancers of blood vessels. The tumor grows and forms abnormal blood vessels that tend to break open. Hemangiosarcomas are rare in humans, but common in dogs. They can develop in many parts of the body, including the heart. Hemangiosarcomas most commonly affect the right atrium and auricle.
