Heart cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs when cancerous cells grow on or inside the heart. The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body and is essential for life.

Cancerous cells in the heart can hinder its proper functioning, leading to serious health problems. Unfortunately, heart cancer is often diagnosed late because the symptoms are often confused with other heart conditions. Therefore, understanding the early signs of heart cancer is essential for early diagnosis and treatment.

This article will discuss the early signs of heart cancer and the survival rates associated with it.

Early signs of Heart Cancer

Heart cancer often does not show any symptoms in its early stages, making it hard to detect. However, here are some of the early signs that one should be aware of.

: Chest Pain

Chest pain is a significant symptom of heart cancer. It is often felt in the center of the chest, and it can be intense and persistent. The pain can also spread to other parts of the body, including the arms, neck, jaw, and back.

If you experience persistent chest pain, you should consult a doctor immediately.

: Fatigue

Fatigue is another early symptom that people with heart cancer may experience. Fatigue is characterized by a feeling of exhaustion and lack of energy, even after getting enough rest.

If you notice unexplained fatigue that lasts for an extended period, you should seek medical attention.

: Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of heart cancer. It is caused by the cancerous cells that interfere with the proper functioning of the heart muscle.

In its early stages, shortness of breath may be mild and only occur during physical activity, but as the cancer progresses, it can occur even during rest.

: Irregular Heartbeat

Irregular heartbeat is another common early sign of heart cancer. It is caused by the buildup of cancerous cells on the heart muscle, leading to difficulty in blood circulation.

Irregular heartbeat is often characterized by rapid and abnormal heart rhythms that can be felt in the chest. If you experience irregular heartbeats, you should consult a cardiologist.

The Survival Rates of Heart Cancer

Heart cancer is a rare type of cancer, and not many studies have been conducted to determine its survival rates. However, it is commonly reported that heart cancer has poor survival rates compared to other types of cancer.

The average survival rate is less than six months post-diagnosis, and only a small percentage of people diagnosed with heart cancer survive beyond a year. This is often due to the late diagnosis of heart cancer.

Treatment of Heart Cancer

The treatment of heart cancer depends on the stage of cancer and the extent of cancerous cells. However, surgery to remove the cancerous cells is often the primary treatment for heart cancer.

Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, a heart transplant may be necessary to replace the cancerous heart with a healthy one.

Preventing Heart Cancer

Since the cause of heart cancer is still a subject of research, it is not possible to prevent heart cancer entirely.

However, individuals can reduce their risk by making lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activity.

Conclusion

Heart cancer is a rare type of cancer that requires early detection to increase the chances of survival. The symptoms of heart cancer can often be confused with other heart conditions, making it hard to diagnose.

However, if you notice any of the early signs discussed in this article, you should consult a doctor immediately. Although the survival rate of heart cancer is low, early diagnosis and proper treatment can improve the chances of survival.