Heart Cancer
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Heart Cancer
Heart cancer is a very rare condition and it happens when cancerous tumours grow in the heart tissue. Most heart tumours are non-cancerous (benign), like myxomas or fibromas. Cancer that starts in the heart (primary heart cancer) is usually a type of sarcoma. However, it is more common for cancer to spread to the heart from other organs, like the lungs or breasts (secondary heart cancer). Because the heart is always moving and has very few cells that divide, primary heart cancer is extremely rare.
Symptoms of Heart Cancer
The symptoms of heart cancer vary depending on the tumour’s size, location, and whether it affects blood flow or heart function. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
- Fatigue and weakness
- Dizziness or fainting
- Coughing or difficulty breathing
Because these symptoms can mimic other heart or lung conditions, heart cancer is often difficult to diagnose.
Causes and Risk Factors of Heart Cancer
The exact cause of heart cancer is not well understood, but certain factors may increase the risk, including:
Changes in DNA that cause abnormal cell growth.
Previous radiation therapy to the chest may slightly increase the risk.
Cancers of the lung, breast, kidney, and blood (such as lymphoma or leukemia) can metastasize to the heart.
Conditions that weaken the immune system may increase susceptibility to rare cancers.
Despite these factors, heart cancer remains extremely rare compared to other cancers.
How is Heart Cancer Diagnosed?
Because heart cancer symptoms resemble those of other cardiac conditions, several tests may be needed to confirm a diagnosis:
Helps detect tumours within the heart chambers.
Provides detailed imaging to assess tumour size and location.
Checks for abnormal heart rhythms caused by tumours.
May reveal an enlarged heart or fluid buildup.
A tissue sample may be taken to confirm whether the tumour is cancerous.
Early diagnosis is challenging but crucial for treatment planning.
Heart Cancer Treatments
Treatment for heart cancer varies based on the tumour’s type, size, and whether it has spread. The main treatment options are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and palliative care.
Surgery
Surgery is often the first option if the tumour is localized and can be safely removed. However, if the tumour is attached to vital heart structures, complete removal may not be possible, and surgery may be more complex. In some cases, surgery may not be feasible, and other treatments are explored.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used when a tumour cannot be surgically removed or if surgery is too risky. It involves high-energy rays to shrink or control tumour growth. Since radiation can affect heart tissue, it needs to be carefully controlled to minimize any damage to the heart.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is typically used for secondary heart cancers, which have spread from other parts of the body, like the lungs or breasts. It uses drugs to slow down cancer growth and manage symptoms. Chemotherapy can be given orally or through an IV and is often combined with other treatments to enhance effectiveness.
Palliative Care
In advanced cases, when a cure is no longer possible, palliative care focuses on symptom management and improving quality of life. This may include medications to manage pain, irregular heartbeats, or fluid buildup. Palliative care aims to relieve discomfort and support the emotional and psychological well-being of the patient.
Early detection and a tailored treatment plan are crucial in managing heart cancer effectively.
Heart Cancer Surgery in Singapore
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart cancer, timely treatment is essential for the best possible outcomes. At O2 Healthcare Group, our surgeons possess extensive experience in complex conditions and are dedicated to providing personalised care, including advanced heart cancer surgery. We focus on offering comprehensive treatment options tailored to your needs.