A tumor on or near the heart is a rare type of cancer. In fact, there are only about 200 people with cancer near the heart each year, and many more will develop it in their lifetime. Unfortunately, the tumors are not detected early enough to be considered clinical trials. In addition, there are not enough people affected by heart cancer to do these trials. That means that the main treatment for cancer near the heart is surgery to remove the tumor. However, a large tumor may not be removed completely; it may need to be partially removed to alleviate symptoms. Luckily, chemotherapy and radiation therapy can prolong the life of patients suffering from this disease. Similarly, targeted therapies for sarcomas in other parts of the body can also be used in patients with cancer near the heart.
Despite its name, the majority of tumors on or near the heart originate elsewhere in the body. However, some may begin elsewhere in the body and spread to the heart through the bloodstream. Examples of cancers that may affect the heart include lung, breast, esophageal, and melanoma. These cancers can be life-threatening if they are not detected early. The good news is that there is no single cause of heart cancer. If you have any of these tumors on or near the heart, consult a medical professional right away.
Surgery for cancer near the heart is not easy. While it does buy patients some time, it is not a cure. Researchers believe that a cure can be found at the cellular level. To this end, Dr. Reardon and his colleagues have set up a group of researchers and physicians that will discuss all the latest developments in treatment. This group meets regularly at MD Anderson and invites medical school staff from around the country to participate through videoconferencing. Sharing knowledge among the experts may lead to better outcomes quicker.
Other treatment options include surgery to remove the tumor. This type of surgery is typically not successful because the tumor is located in the heart, making it difficult to remove. However, if the tumor is large enough, heart transplantation may be an option. In the case of cancer near the heart, immunosuppressive medications are prescribed to prevent the body from rejecting the new tissue. However, the treatment may actually stimulate the growth of the new cancer.
Imaging tests will reveal the presence of a tumor on the heart. These tests will determine how big it is and how far it’s spread through the body. A biopsy, meanwhile, is a safe way to identify a tumor. If a biopsy is performed, a small piece of the tumor is removed and tested to determine whether or not it’s cancer. It is important to know what kind of tumor is present, and how much risk it poses for the patient.
