Introduction:
The study of diseases related to the heart is called cardiovascular disease. The advancement in the study of tumors affecting the heart, which may or may not be cancerous, is called cardiac oncology. It is important to understand heart disease and follow the necessary precautions to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Ignorance or negligence can result in serious illness as the heart is an important organ that performs multiple functions.
What Is Oncology?
Oncology refers to the branch of medicine that deals with cancer cells and their associated diseases. Cancer is the most dreadful disease that usually occurs asymptomatically. The disease may be confined to a particular region or spread to different organs, which is called metastasis.
What Is Cardio-Oncology?
Cardio-oncology refers to the branch of science that deals with heart cancer. Heart cancer is commonly known as cardiac sarcoma. It occurs in the muscle or blood vessels of the heart. It can be of primary or secondary type. The primary tumor usually originates from the heart. The secondary tumor occurs accidentally due to cancer spread from other body parts. Secondary tumors are more common than primary ones.
What Are the Symptoms of Cardiac Sarcoma?
The symptoms of cardio-oncology may vary with each individual depending on the size and extent of the tumor. The tumors may be located on the outer or inner surface of the heart. Sometimes these tumors are entrapped within the heart muscle tissue. Cardiac sarcomas are generally a modified form of angiosarcomas.
Angiosarcomas may affect the right chamber of the heart. The blood flow to the heart may be blocked due to the growth of the tumor. Such tumor blockage may cause the following symptoms.
What Is the Survival Rate of Cardiac Sarcoma?
Cardiac tumors are usually benign, but only very few are malignant. However, sarcomas account for 95 percent of malignant tumors. The prognosis is poor, and the survival rate may vary from three months to one year.
How Is Cardiac Sarcoma Diagnosed?
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Echocardiogram - The test evaluates the functions of the heart chambers and the valves. It uses soundwaves that travel through the heart and creates a graph of the heart’s functions.
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CT Scan - A computed tomography (CT) scan provides detailed images of the internal organs, including bones, muscles, and fats. It helps to view the size of the tumor and aids in treatment.
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MRI Scan - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) creates images of the organs in the body, especially the soft tissues. It uses a combination of radio waves and large magnets to create detailed images which can be viewed on a computer.
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PET Scan - A positron emission tomography (PET) scan helps to locate the tumor. A radioactive liquid is injected into the bloodstream. The liquid takes almost 45 minutes to reflect in the body. Once it is effective, the healthcare provider may perform a body scan.
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Chest X-ray - A diagnostic technique that uses invisible electromagnetic rays to create images of the internal structures of the bones and organs. The images are usually created on film. It helps diagnose an enlarged heart and pulmonary congestion.
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Angiogram - It is commonly referred to as cardiac catheterization. The test is performed by injecting a dye into one of the arteries. It helps to estimate proper blood flow to the heart and detects any blocks or discrepancies in blood vessels.
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Biopsy - A biopsy is a procedure in which healthy and infected heart tissue is examined under an electron microscope to identify any cancerous growth. There are various biopsy techniques. It helps to distinguish benign and malignant heart conditions and helps in management.
How Is Cardiac Sarcoma Treated?
The treatment for cardiac sarcoma is specific for each individual and is determined by the doctor depending on the nature of the disease and the degree of heart deformity. Other factors considered before finalizing the treatment procedure include:
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Evaluating the individual's age.
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Location and extent of disease.
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Overall health condition.
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Medical history.
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Tolerance to specific medications.
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Prognosis of the disease.
Once the disease has progressed, it may gradually spread to other body parts, making the treatment challenging. Some of the treatment modalities are mentioned below.
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Open Heart Surgery - As the name indicates, an incision is made to expose the heart. This helps to locate the tumor and completely excise it by preventing it from spreading to other organs.
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Heart Transplantation - Some cardiac sarcoma may invade the heart to the extent that it is difficult to excise the tumor completely. In such cases, heart transplantation may be recommended. Heart transplantation is a challenging procedure that may require the expertise of various specialists. After the transplantation, the patient is advised to take immunosuppressive medication to prevent the rejection of the transplanted heart. There are few chances that the medication may induce the growth of new sarcoma.
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Auto Transplantation - It is the new treatment approach for treating cardiac sarcoma. In this procedure, the patient’s heart is temporarily removed from the body until the duration of the procedure. The patient is kept under the support of a heart-lung bypass machine, which ensures proper breathing and air circulation. Once the tumor is completely removed, the patient’s heart is placed in its original position. In this procedure, immunosuppressive drugs are avoided, as the patient does not undergo new heart transplantation.
How Is Cardiac Sarcoma Prevented?
Avoiding smoking and tobacco products is good for health and prevents cancer risk. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding exposure to excessive sunlight also help to reduce the risk of cardiac cancer. It is important to undergo a health check-up every year, as it helps identify any serious risks at a primitive stage. Also, cancer screenings help in the early detection of tumors and help patients receive treatment at the right time.
Conclusion:
Cardiac oncology primarily deals with tumors of the heart and cardiovascular diseases. Proper care and treatment are crucial in cancerous patients for better prognosis. Frequent follow-ups and a proper understanding of one’s health play a pivotal role in nurturing the heart and keeping it healthy. The advancements in technology have aided healthcare professionals in diagnosing various diseases at the primitive stage and treating them appropriately for better recovery. Proper cooperation from the patient and good teamwork can drastically influence the overall health of the patient and help restore a healthy life.
