Heart cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the tissue of the heart. It is also known as cardiac cancer or primary cardiac tumor.

While it is not as common as other types of cancer, it is still important to understand the symptoms and survival rates for heart cancer. In this article, we will discuss how to recognize heart cancer symptoms and survival rates.

What are the Symptoms of Heart Cancer?

The symptoms of heart cancer can vary, depending on the location of the tumor and its size. Some people with heart cancer may not experience any symptoms at all. Here are some possible symptoms of heart cancer:.

Chest Pain:

Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of heart cancer. It may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The pain may also be felt in your arms, back, or jaw.

This type of chest pain can be different from the chest pain caused by other conditions, such as heart attack or angina.

Shortness of Breath:

Shortness of breath can also be a symptom of heart cancer. You may feel like you cannot catch your breath, or you may have difficulty breathing while lying down. This is due to the tumor pressing on the heart or blocking blood flow to the lungs.

Fatigue:

Fatigue is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including heart cancer. It may be caused by the cancer itself, or by the body’s response to the cancer. If you feel tired all the time, even after getting enough rest, it may be a sign of heart cancer.

Swelling:

Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet can be a symptom of heart cancer. This is due to the tumor affecting the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. The swelling may be more noticeable after standing or walking for long periods of time.

Irregular Heartbeat:

An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can be a symptom of heart cancer. You may feel like your heart is skipping a beat or racing. This is due to the tumor interfering with the normal electrical signals that control the heartbeat.

What are the Survival Rates for Heart Cancer?

The survival rates for heart cancer are not well documented, as it is a rare type of cancer. However, the prognosis for heart cancer is generally poor. The average survival time for people with heart cancer is less than a year.

The survival rate drops significantly for people with more advanced stages of the cancer.

One reason why heart cancer is difficult to treat is because it is often diagnosed at a late stage. Many people with heart cancer do not experience any symptoms until the tumor has grown large enough to interfere with the heart’s function.

At this point, the cancer may have already spread to other parts of the body.

Surgery is the standard treatment for heart cancer, but it may not be possible in all cases. If the tumor is located in a difficult-to-reach area of the heart, or if it has spread to other parts of the body, surgery may not be an option.

Radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor, but it can also damage the surrounding healthy tissue of the heart.

Conclusion

Heart cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the tissue of the heart. Symptoms can vary, but may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling, and irregular heartbeat.

The survival rates for heart cancer are generally poor, with an average survival time of less than a year. Treatment options include surgery and radiation therapy, but may not be possible in all cases. It is important to understand the symptoms of heart cancer and seek medical attention if you experience any of them.