Cardiac Sarcoma - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Cardiac Sarcoma?

The heart is divided into four chambers. The above two chambers are the left and right atrium, and the lower two are called the left and right ventricles. Sarcoma is a kind of cancer that begins to form in the soft tissues of the body or even the bones and is additionally referred to as the type of sarcoma formed in the cells of the blood vessels. It is one of the rarest types of cardiac tumors. The majority of cardiac sarcomas occur in the right upper chamber or the atrium of the heart. There is no definitive reason for cardiac sarcoma, but there are certain health conditions that hold the potential to end up in cardiac sarcoma.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cardiac Sarcoma?

The signs and symptoms of cardiac sarcoma depend on the tumor's location. Cardiac sarcoma can be present within the heart, called intracavity, or outside the heart. Additionally, cardiac sarcoma can be present in one or more than one chamber of the heart. Cardiac sarcoma can also be present in the heart's muscles or the pericardium's protective sac around the heart. The clinical manifestations of cardiac sarcoma are parallel to other cardiovascular diseases. This is why it is vital to get the heart checked by the healthcare provider in case there is the presence of any of the symptoms so that it can be distinguished from cardiovascular disease or the presence of cancer which will need immediate treatment.

Mentioned below are some of the signs and symptoms of cardiac sarcoma:

• Chest pain.

• Night sweats.

• Emboli.

• Palpitations.

• Bloating of the abdomen.

• Swelling in the legs and feet.

• Arrhythmia.

• Fever.

• Weakness.

• Fatigue.

• Excessive sweating.

• Abnormal heart rate.

• Upper facial congestion.

• Shortness of breath.

• Stroke.

• Formation of blood clots.

• Swelling of ankles and other joints.

• Distended neck veins.

• Coughing of blood.

• Hoarseness of voice.

• Swelling of the face.

• Unintentional weight loss.

• Bluish discoloration of fingertips.

• Abnormal curvature of the nails.

• Tiredness.

• Fainting.

• Enlargement of the heart.

• Heart attack.

• Unexplained cardiac arrest.

• Enlarged fingers.

• Abnormal curvature of the nails.

• Malaise.

• Raynaud’s phenomenon.

What Are the Causes of Cardiac Sarcoma?

Cardiac sarcoma is extremely rare and thus is sporadic in incidence. The cause of cardiac sarcoma varies, and hence there is no specific etiological factor behind the development and formation of cardiac sarcoma. It has been studied and believed that repeated cell division and abnormal regulation of cell growth are one of the strongest causative agents behind cardiac sarcoma. A patient suffering from autoimmune conditions or has been diagnosed with irregularities in the immune system is prone to developing cardiac sarcoma. Mentioned below are a few of the causative factors of cardiac sarcoma.

• Autoimmune disorders.

• Aberrant growth.

• Radiation therapy.

• Viral infections.

• Rheumatic fever.

• Increased exposure to direct sunlight.

• Excessive use of tobacco and tobacco-related products,

• Benzene.

• Poisonous mushrooms.

How to Diagnose Cardiac Sarcoma?

Various methods are used for diagnosing cardiac sarcoma, and to some degree, they are successful. The advances in today’s radiological, histological, and cardiovascular sciences have helped spot any abnormalities in the heart or any other cardiac organ at an early stage. Based on the presenting clinical manifestations of the patient and taking into account a complete physical examination and medical history, mentioned below are some of the diagnostic tools used to diagnose cardiac sarcoma.

• An echocardiogram is a test done for the ultrasound of the heart and is a non-invasive test. It studies the wave of the motions of the heart’s chambers and valves. This is one of the most useful diagnostic tools for cardiac sarcoma because it allows the healthcare provider to locate the tumor and determine its exact size.

• A transesophageal echocardiogram is another diagnostic tool guided down the throat and the esophagus directly into the heart, giving a much more detailed picture.

• Electrocardiogram, also called an EKG for ECG, records the heart's electrical activity and shows any abnormal heart sounds or heart murmurs. In addition to this, it also observes any damage present in the cardiac muscles.

• A computed tomography (CT) scan combines X-ray and technology to produce slices or horizontal and axial images of the body, showing a detailed picture of the desired organ. Along with the size and location, other in-depth features can be understood with the help of a CT or computed tomography scan.

• Magnetic resonance imaging MRI is a diagnostic tool that uses computers and radio frequencies to produce a detailed image of the structures of the body.

• An X-ray of the chest uses electromagnetic energy to detect any enlargement of the heart or condition of the lungs.

• Cardiac catheterization is a procedure where X-rays are taken after a contrast dye is injected into the heart's arteries. This procedure helps detect any abnormalities in the cardiac arteries and blood vessels.

• A biopsy of the heart refers to a tiny amount of tissue examining it under a microscope that may suggest the presence of cancer if the pathologist analyses and studies the tissue.

• A complete blood picture is vital to determine any irregularities in the enzymes related to the cardiovascular system.

How Is Cardiac Sarcoma Treated?

As of today, there are no established treatment modalities for cardiac sarcoma due to race incidents in the population. Nevertheless, a few multidisciplinary approaches and management therapies and possibilities have been made available that are both non-invasive and invasive.

Mentioned below are a few possible treatment options for cardiac sarcoma.

• Radiotherapy.

• Chemotherapy.

• Surgery.

• Heart transplantation.

• Autotransplantation.

• Open-heart surgery.

Conclusion

Cardiac sarcoma is one of the rarest tumors of the heart that is malignant in nature; it spreads to other parts of the body. Early diagnosis and detection of the clinical manifestations of cardiac sarcoma are pivotal since they may lead to certain risks to the normal functioning of the heart. The way to prevent cardiac sarcoma is to keep all the reasons that lead to cancer at bay. The surgical intervention seems to provide successful results, and the patient’s outlook after such a treatment modality, along with radiotherapy, is positive.