Primary heart tumors are rare and are most likely metastases of cancers of other organs. The prognosis of these tumors is poor. A primary heart tumor can be detected only after a complete evaluation of the patient. Patients with cancer in other parts of the body are often tested to determine whether the tumor is related to the heart. The type of tumor is determined through a cardiac catheterization procedure.
Although the symptoms of cancer near the heart vary depending on the type and location of the tumour, the condition can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. The main symptoms of heart cancer are chest pain, sweating, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Malignant heart tumours can block blood flow and lead to a buildup of fluid in the pericardium. In severe cases, this fluid may reach the brain, causing a stroke.
The main types of tumors in the heart are angiosarcomas, rhabdomyomas, and myxomas. The most common type of cancer of the heart in adults is angiosarcoma, which develops from the lining cells of blood vessels. The cancerous cells multiply and form irregular blood vessel-like masses that can bulge into the atrium or spread to adjacent structures. The risk of death from this condition increases with age.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 10,000 new cases of soft tissue cancers occur each year. Approximately 90% of primary cardiac cancers are benign, while only 2% of metastatic cancers involve the heart. While primary heart cancers are rare, it is important to seek medical care if you have a tumor in the heart. These cancers are often caused by genetic malformations. A surviving cancer in the heart is highly unlikely.
A second type of cancer that affects the heart is cardiac sarcoma. These cancers arise in the right atrium. Symptoms of cardiac sarcoma include obstruction of blood flow and distention of neck veins. This happens because blood coming back to the heart cannot easily enter the right atrium. As a result, the symptoms of cardiac sarcomas often mimic those of other cardiovascular conditions.
Treatment options for a tumor near the heart include surgical removal of the tumor. Surgical removal is the main treatment for noncancerous pericardial tumors, while surgery is not an option if the tumor is cancerous. A tumor that secretes fluid is removed via a procedure known as pericardiocentesis. The needle is then guided through the pericardium. A window is created in the pericardium so that fluid can drain and prevent it from building up again. In rare cases, the cancer may grow into the lung’s airway, causing shortness of breath and pneumonia. In these cases, radiation therapy or other techniques may be used.
A biopsy is a necessary step in diagnosing cancer near the heart. A doctor will collect tissue for examination. It is necessary to remove a small portion of the tumor for further analysis. A biopsy is also required in some cases, as the tumour may have spread to other parts of the body. If the cancer has spread throughout the body, the treatment may involve surgery or chemotherapy to remove the affected organ. The treatment options will depend on the extent of the metastasis, size of the tumor, and other factors.
