Can cancer near the heart be deadly? The answer depends on where it is found and its size. Some types of cancer near the heart are benign while others are malignant. Cancer in the heart can cause serious problems if it interferes with the normal function of the heart. The location and size of the tumour determine the symptoms. A small tumour may be benign, but it can still block the blood vessels near the heart, which could lead to a stroke.
Although cancers of the heart are rare, they do occur. This type of cancer most often occurs in the epithelial tissue that lines many organs. Because the heart has a low rate of turnover, it is resistant to tumors. In contrast, cancer cells grow more rapidly and are more prone to mutation. Cancer of the heart is most common in epithelial tissues that line the lining of many organs. It is therefore more likely to affect the breast, pancreas, and colon.
Primary cardiac tumors are uncommon, but can be dangerous. Most of them are benign. They grow in the heart’s muscle tissue, but they can also spread to other parts of the body. The most common types of cancer of the heart are angiosarcomas and cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma. These tumors often begin in blood vessel lining cells and then multiply to form irregular masses. They may also spread to neighboring structures.
Treatment for cancer near the heart is different depending on the type of tumour. Non-cancerous cardiac tumours can be removed surgically, but malignant ones require chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Surgery is complicated, and heart tissue may need to be reconstructed. Sometimes, a cardiac tumor will not respond to any of these treatments. In some cases, however, chemotherapy or radiation therapy is used. This type of treatment will not cure the cancer, but it will reduce the symptoms of the patient.
A biopsy can also reveal the presence of a cancer near the heart. It can help identify the type of cancer and the type of tumor. A biopsy may be necessary if the cancer is spread to other parts of the body. A doctor can also order an MRI if the cancer is found to be on the heart. Cancer is often asymptomatic, but it is still important to seek immediate medical attention if it’s found near the heart.
Surgical treatment for cancer near the heart is the main treatment option for angiosarcoma. Surgery helps the surgeon remove as much of the cancer as possible, while leaving a border of healthy tissue around it to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. Unfortunately, surgery doesn’t always work. It depends on the size and location of the tumor. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy might also be part of the treatment plan. If the cancer is located in the lining of the heart, patients will most likely undergo a combination of treatments.
A biopsy may be necessary to identify a tumor in the pericardium. Cytology, which identifies neoplastic cells, is also a valuable tool in determining the extent of the tumor. Approximately 24% of cases of pericardial effusion are caused by cancer, with lung and breast carcinoma being the leading causes. Cytology is more sensitive than a pericardial biopsy in diagnosing metastatic carcinoma, although other types of tumors may be undetectable in pericardial fluid.
