If cancer near the heart irritates you, it may be indicative of lung or other problems. The tumor may block the airway and cause infections. Coughing up blood isn’t always extreme, but small amounts can be hard to detect. Pancoast tumors, located in the upper lobes of the lungs, may cause pain in the shoulder, arm, or pinky finger. If you experience these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.
Some forms of cancer can spread to the liver. Most liver cancers originate in the digestive tract. The liver is part of the bloodstream, so cancer cells can become lodged in the small capillaries there. The resulting buildup of fluid is known as ascites. The organs of the abdomen are covered by a membrane called the peritoneum. If cancer cells grow in this membrane, they can block the flow of fluid away from the tummy, causing ascites.
Because of how dangerous it can be, heart cancers should be treated promptly. Treatment for this disease often is not effective. Many patients die from the disease even after surgery. It is best to have the tumor removed as soon as possible, before it causes any more damage. The survival rate of people with cancer near the heart is six months without surgery, but can reach one year if surgery is performed to remove the tumor. Researchers are currently searching for ways to detect this disease earlier. Signs of heart tumors include changes in the rhythm of the heart, chest pain, shortness of breath, and enlarged or distended heart.
While the cause of heart cancer is still unknown, the disease is often the result of another disease that has spread to the heart. Fortunately, the majority of patients with heart cancer are not diagnosed with this deadly disease. Cancer near the heart irritates the heart, but the good news is that treatment options for these types of cancers are available. In addition to the symptoms of heart cancer, the disease can be cured if detected early enough.
