You may not have even thought that heart cancer can develop. We rarely hear about it. That's why it sometimes takes a while to diagnose this disease properly. But, today we will talk about this thing called Heart Cancer simply, in a way that you can understand.
What is Heart Cancer?
Simply put, heart cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells in or around your heart, forming a tumor. This cancer can start in the heart itself, or it can spread to the heart from somewhere else in the body.
Now look, there are two types of this too:
1. Primary Heart Cancer: This is when the cancer starts directly in the cells of the heart. This is very rare. The most common type of primary heart cancer in adults is Angiosarcoma. This is a malignant, or cancerous, tumor that develops in the soft tissues. Other subtypes of sarcoma can also develop in the heart and the large blood vessels that connect to the heart (such as the aorta and pulmonary arteries).
2. Secondary Heart Cancer: This is the most common type. This is when cancer cells from another part of the body, such as the lungs, breast, or kidneys, spread to the heart. Cancers that spread in this way are called metastatic cancer. In fact, secondary heart cancers are 30-40 times more common than primary heart cancers. Cancers from other parts of the body, such as the breast, esophagus, skin, lungs, and kidneys, can spread to the heart. Cancers in the thymus gland, leukemia, and lymphoma can also spread to the heart.
Consider this: Less than 200,000 people develop primary heart cancer each year. Cardiac tumors are also very rare. Also, about 9 out of 10 of these primary heart tumors are benign, meaning they are not cancerous.
Why is heart cancer so uncommon?
You might wonder why this heart is less likely to develop cancer. There's a reason for that. Your heart is made up of connective tissue and muscle cells. These cells renew themselves very slowly. Therefore, they are more resistant to becoming cancerous.
Cancer cells grow and multiply rapidly in tissues called `(Epithelial tissue)`. This type of tissue called `(Epithelial tissue)` renews itself quickly, so there is a high chance that some error `(mutation)` will occur during cell division and cancer will occur. Many organs are covered with this `(Epithelial tissue)`. This tissue is also found in the breasts. That is why cancers are commonly seen in places like the breast, colon, pancreas, lungs, and skin.
What are the first symptoms of heart cancer?
One of the main symptoms of heart cancer is sudden, unexplained heart failure. If the tumor is pressing on a heart chamber or if it has grown inside the heart and is interfering with the function of a valve, you may experience shortness of breath and extreme fatigue.
Other heart cancer symptoms include:
- Heartbeat abnormalities (Arrhythmia) or rapid heartbeat.
- Chest pain.
- Fainting.
- Pericardial effusion is the accumulation of extra fluid around the heart.
- Weight loss.
For some people, no symptoms appear until the cancer is very advanced.
Primary heart cancer can spread to other parts of the body. It most commonly spreads to the nervous system, which is the spinal cord or brain. It can also spread to the lungs. Symptoms of this spread include:
- Persistent back pain.
- Confusion or memory problems.
- Coughing up blood.
What are the causes of heart cancer?
The exact cause of the previously mentioned type of cancer called ``Angiosarcoma'' has not yet been found. However, it is thought that exposure to radiation and certain toxins may be involved.
Sometimes, several members of the same family develop angiosarcoma of the heart. Scientists believe that some people have genes that make them more susceptible to this primary heart cancer. However, we are still learning about the genetic basis of many of these cancers. It is possible that a mutation in a gene called POT1 (protection of telomeres protein 1) may be the cause. Children can inherit this gene mutation from a parent who has it.
Who is at higher risk of developing heart cancer?
In fact, anyone can develop heart cancer. However, men between the ages of 30 and 50 are slightly more likely to develop the disease than women. It is said that smokers and people with AIDS may be at increased risk, but data on this is limited.
What are the possible complications of heart cancer?
Heart cancer directly affects the function of your heart. As a result, a number of life-threatening problems can occur. With a heart tumor, you have a higher risk of having a heart attack, stroke, or severe heart failure .
Imagine, small pieces of a cancer tumor in the heart can break off and travel through the blood vessels. If these pieces get stuck in a blood vessel, they can form a blood clot. If this goes to the brain, it can cause a stroke, and if it goes to the lungs, it can cause severe breathing difficulties (pulmonary embolism).
If the cancer is near a heart valve, it can interfere with the function of that valve. Then, blood does not flow properly to where it should. If the cancer is near the heart's electrical conduction system, it can cause problems with the heart rhythm.
Heart cancer can affect the pericardium, the thin sac that surrounds the heart. This can cause inflammation (pericarditis). If this happens, your doctor may need to insert a catheter (a long, thin tube) to remove excess fluid and relieve pressure on your heart. This procedure is called pericardiocentesis. The cells in the fluid can be examined to help diagnose the condition.
How is heart cancer diagnosed?
Because heart cancer is so rare, doctors can sometimes misdiagnose the cause of heart symptoms. Often, a person with heart cancer is diagnosed with a tumor while looking for the cause of heart symptoms. You may need to have one or more of these tests:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Chest X-rays
- CT scan (computed tomography scan) or MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Coronary angiography and cardiac catheterization
- Coronary computed tomography angiogram (CTA)
How is heart cancer treated?
Sometimes, chemotherapy or radiation therapy (or both) can shrink the heart cancer tumor and reduce symptoms. If another cancer has spread to the heart (a secondary cancer), your doctor will treat the primary cancer.
Other treatments depend on the location and size of the tumor, as well as your overall health and age. Surgery is one option. If a surgeon can completely remove the tumor, it can extend your life. These surgeries are very complex. It is best to have them done at a specialist center. In some cases, surgeons remove your heart, operate on it, and then replant it. This is called an ``autotransplantation''. During this surgery, a machine pumps your blood, just like other heart surgeries.
In some cases, a heart transplant or even an artificial heart may be an option.
You may also have the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial that is testing promising new treatments that are still in the research phase. Researchers are continuing to work to diagnose the disease early, improve existing treatments, and find new treatments.
Can heart cancer be completely cured?
Unfortunately, there is currently no complete cure for heart cancer.
Side effects and complications of treatment
Some of the most common side effects or complications of heart cancer treatments may include:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Excessive fatigue.
- Heart failure.
- Bleeding.
- Blood clots.
- Infections.
What can you expect if you have heart cancer?
Heart cancer is very difficult to treat. After treatment, it can recur and spread to other parts of the body.
Typically, the average life expectancy after diagnosis of heart cancer without surgery is about six months. If surgery is possible, you can live for more than a year. In some cases, there are people who can live for several years after the tumor is completely removed (complete resection).
For primary heart tumors, the survival rate in the first year is 50%. By the third year, it drops to 24%, and by the fifth year, it drops to 19%. The prognosis for secondary heart tumors is not as good.
What time should I see a doctor?
You should see a doctor immediately if you have these symptoms:
- Changes in your heart rate or rhythm.
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing.
- Persistent back pain.
- Confusion or memory problems.
- Coughing up blood.
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness.
What questions should you ask your doctor?
When you receive a difficult diagnosis like this, your life can feel like it's being turned upside down. But it can also give you a clearer understanding of what's really important to you. Treatment can help reduce your symptoms and give you relief. You can ask your doctor questions like:
- What type of heart cancer do I have?
- What kind of treatment can help me?
- How do I manage the side effects of treatment?
- Should I be aware of symptoms of complications?
Talking to a counselor can also help you deal with the emotions you feel when you receive a difficult diagnosis like this. If someone is willing to help you, don't be afraid to ask for what you need. They may not know exactly how to help, but they will find a way to help.
The most important thing we should take home from this information is (Take-Home Message)
Heart cancer is a very rare and difficult condition to treat. However, it is important to be aware of it, as some of the symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases.
The most important thing is to seek medical advice immediately if you have symptoms of heart disease, especially sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or unexplained fatigue. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prolong life and improve quality of life.
Dealing with an illness like this can be emotionally overwhelming for you and your family. So, don't hesitate to seek help from doctors, family, friends, and, if necessary, counselors. Remember, you are not alone.
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