Causes:

• The exact cause of developing heart cancer is unknown.
• Certain changes or mutations in the heart cells may result in their uncontrollable growth and alteration of their function.
• This may result in heart cancer.

Risk factors: The following factors may increase the risk of developing heart cancer:

• Age between 30 and 50 years
• More common in men
• Chronic smokers
• Family history of cancer
• Weak immune system
• Genetic cancer syndromes

Symptoms:
The symptoms of heart cancer include:

• Constant and sudden chest pain
• Chest pressure or tightness
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Cough with sputum, which may be frothy or pink colored
• Coughing up blood
• Fever
• Increased heart rate
• Irregular rhythm of the heart
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Swelling around the ankles and feet
• Reduction in urine production
• Widening of the fingertips
• Bluish discoloration of lips or fingernails
• Mental disturbances like confusion, hallucinations, delirium, or delusions
• Shortness of breath
• Breathing difficulty
• Choking sensation
• Wheezing

1. Physical examination: The doctor evaluates the patient physically and checks for heart murmurs, abnormal heart rhythms, or other signs of heart failure (failure of the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body).
2. Medical history: The medical history and family history of the patient is noted.
3. Echocardiogram: This test helps in obtaining the images of the heart and its valves.
4. Electrocardiogram (ECG): The electrical activity of the heart is measured using an ECG.
5. Imaging tests: Chest x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans may be used to obtain clear images of the heart.
6. Cardiac catheterization: This test helps the doctor to diagnose the type of tumor that may be present.
7. Coronary angiography: This test is rarely performed to diagnose heart tumors.

The different types of treatments for heart cancer include:

• Surgery may be performed to remove cancer while preserving the heart function.
• Heart transplantation surgery may be done in select cases.
• Chemotherapy is a procedure involving the use of certain drugs to kill cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy involves the use of high-powered energy beams to kill cancer cells.
• The above forms of treatment are supported in the following ways:
• Dietary counseling may be done to maintain the nutritional status and strength of a heart cancer patient.
• Palliative care may be required to improve the overall quality of life of the patient and his/her family members.
• Physiotherapy may be done to improve the patient’s overall body strength, alertness, and functional ability, along with increased alertness after cancer treatment.

Heart cancer treatment may lead to the following complications:

• Disturbed sleep or lack of sleep
• Nail and skin related problems
• Decrease in sexual desire
• Chest pain
• Swellings in multiple organs 
• Leg swelling 
• Tingling sensation in the legs and hands
• Nerve-related problems
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Mouth ulcers or sores
• Lymphedema 
• Decrease in memory power 
• Increase in infections in different parts of the body
• Cold and flu-like symptoms
• Loss of hair
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Constipation
• Bleeding 
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia

The following steps should be followed after heart cancer treatment for improved quality of life:

• Exercise regularly
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get adequate sleep
• Manage stress
• Reduce alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking