16840 Heart Cancer

Overview

Heart cancer is a very rare condition in which abnormal cells grow in the heart. These cells can form a tumor, which may be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Because the heart is made mostly of muscle and beats constantly, cancer that starts here is uncommon. Most heart tumors are not cancer, but when they are, they are serious and need prompt care.

No. Heart cancer is extremely uncommon. Most doctors may see only a few cases in their entire career. When heart tumors do occur, they are usually cancers that have spread from elsewhere (metastases) rather than starting in the heart itself.

Heart cancer can affect people of any age, but certain types (like angiosarcoma) are more often diagnosed in adults between 30 and 50. Children are rarely affected. Men and women are at similar risk, though some types may be slightly more common in men.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Chest pain or pressure
• Shortness of breath, especially with activity or when lying flat
• Fatigue or feeling very weak
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or belly
• Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• Dizziness or fainting

Symptoms in children

• Poor feeding and trouble gaining weight in infants
• Delayed growth or development
• More fussiness or sleepiness than usual
• Bluish or pale skin color, especially around the lips
• Fast breathing or trouble catching a breath

Symptoms in older adults

• Worsening shortness of breath with daily activities
• Increased swelling in the feet and legs
• Unusual tiredness that does not get better with rest
• Confusion or light-headedness due to low blood flow
• New or changing heart palpitations

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of heart cancer is not known. Like other cancers, it starts when cells in the heart change (mutate) and grow out of control.
• Most heart tumors are not related to any obvious cause, and most people who get them have no family history.

Risk factors

• Previous treatment with radiation to the chest for other cancers
• Certain inherited conditions (very rare) that make some people more prone to tumors
• A history of cancer elsewhere in the body that could spread to the heart
• A weakened immune system, though this is not a proven direct cause for heart cancer specifically

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have chest pain, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea – call your local emergency number or go to the emergency room right away.
• If you faint, have a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or suddenly feel short of breath, seek emergency care.
• If you are coughing up blood, get medical help immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have new or unexplained tiredness, mild shortness of breath, or swelling in your feet, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
• If you have palpitations that come and go but are not severe, get them checked within a few days.
• If you have a family history of heart tumors or have had chest radiation, talk with your doctor about your risk.

Diagnosis

To diagnose heart cancer, your doctor will start with a physical exam, listen to your heart, and ask about your symptoms and medical history. If heart cancer is suspected, they will order imaging tests to look at your heart in detail. A biopsy (taking a tiny sample of the tumor) may be needed to confirm whether the tumor is cancer.

Tests that may be done

• Echocardiogram – an ultrasound of your heart that shows its structure and blood flow
• Cardiac MRI – a detailed imaging test that gives clear pictures of the heart muscle and any tumors
• CT scan – a special X-ray that can show the size and location of the tumor
• ECG (electrocardiogram) – a simple test that records the heart's electrical activity
• Biopsy – removal of a small piece of the tumor to be examined under a microscope
• PET scan – sometimes used to see if cancer has spread elsewhere in the body

What to expect at your appointment

You may be referred to a cardiologist (heart specialist) and an oncology team (cancer specialists). Testing can take a few weeks. You may need several appointments and imaging sessions. If a biopsy is done, you will be given numbing medicine and may feel some pressure but usually not severe pain. Your care team will explain each step and answer your questions.

Treatment

Treatment for heart cancer depends on the type, size, location of the tumor, and whether it has spread. Because heart cancer is rare, your care team will likely include heart specialists, cancer specialists, and surgeons who plan your treatment together. The main goals are to remove the tumor if possible, control symptoms, and support your heart function.

Self-care at home

• Follow your doctor's advice about rest and activity – gentle movement may help, but avoid overexertion.
• Eat small, balanced meals to reduce pressure on your heart and stomach.
• Weigh yourself regularly if your doctor asks you to – sudden weight gain can be a sign of fluid buildup.
• Keep a diary of your symptoms (like shortness of breath, swelling, palpitations) to share with your care team.
• Take medicines exactly as prescribed for heart function or pain relief – never stop them without talking to your doctor.

Medical treatments

Treatment approaches may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapies – but your doctor will recommend a plan based on your specific case. Some treatments help shrink the tumor, while others help manage symptoms. Your care team will explain the benefits and risks of each option and what you can expect during treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is often considered when the tumor is contained and can be safely removed. However, because the heart is a vital organ, surgery is complex and not always possible. Your surgeons will discuss whether surgery is an option for you and what the procedure involves.

Living with this condition

Living with heart cancer can be challenging, but you do not have to face it alone. Your care team will help you manage symptoms and adjust your daily routine. You may need more rest, but try to stay as active as you feel able. Keep in touch with family and friends, and don't be afraid to accept practical help with meals, errands, or rides to appointments.

Lifestyle tips

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke – it puts extra strain on your heart.
• Limit alcohol – it can worsen fluid retention and interfere with treatment.
• Manage stress with gentle activities like deep breathing, meditation, or listening to calming music.
• Get enough rest and sleep – your body needs energy to heal.
• Stay on top of other health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Diet and exercise

Eat a heart-friendly diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins, and reduce salty foods to help control fluid buildup. Gentle exercise, such as short walks or light stretching, can improve your energy and mood – but always check with your doctor first. They can tell you what level of activity is safe for your heart.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A cancer diagnosis is frightening and can bring anxiety, sadness, or worry. These feelings are normal. It may help to talk to a counselor or join a support group. Your care team can connect you with mental health services. Remember, seeking emotional support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Prevention

Because the exact cause of primary heart cancer is unknown, there is no known way to prevent it. You can reduce your overall cancer risk by living a healthy lifestyle – not smoking, staying active, eating well, and limiting alcohol – but these steps cannot guarantee protection against heart cancer.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines to prevent heart cancer. However, staying up to date on routine vaccines (like flu and pneumonia) can help protect your heart from infections, especially during treatment.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for heart cancer in people without symptoms. If you have a rare inherited condition that raises your risk, your doctor may recommend regular heart imaging – but this is not standard for the general public.

Complications

If left untreated

• The tumor can block blood flow in the heart, causing heart failure or stroke-like symptoms.
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) may develop and become dangerous.
• Cancer can spread to the lungs, liver, or other organs.
• Fluid can build up around the heart (pericardial effusion), making it hard for the heart to pump.
• Without treatment, heart function can decline, leading to severe fatigue, breathing trouble, and eventually organ damage.

Long-term outlook

Heart cancer is a serious condition, but each person's outlook depends on many factors, including the tumor type, size, and whether it has spread. Some heart tumors can be removed successfully, and treatment options continue to improve. Your care team will work closely with you to provide the best possible plan and support. While the road may be difficult, there is reason to hope – and you will not walk it alone.

Find support

International organisations

• American Cancer Society ↗
• Cancer Research UK ↗

Local organisations

• National Health Service (NHS) – Heart & Circulatory Diseases ↗ · United Kingdom

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