Heart cancer, also called cardiac sarcoma, is a rare disease in which cancerous cells begin growing in the heart muscle. The average age of a patient at the time of heart cancer diagnosis is approximately 41, according to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. People who develop symptoms or signs of heart cancer should seek prompt medical care, as these effects can also mimic the signs of a heart attack.
Body Swelling
A cancerous tumor that grows in the heart can interfere with the way blood is pumped through the body by the cardiac muscle. When this occurs, blood can accumulate around heart, a sign of heart cancer called pericardial tamponade, Merck Manuals explains. This buildup of blood can cause swelling of a person's face, feet, legs, stomach or neck. Body swelling can be uncomfortable and is typically associated with unusual or rapid weight gain.
Chest Pain
Heart cancer can cause chest pain or discomfort in people with this disease. These symptoms may arise due to an unusual stiffening of the cardiac muscle, a condition called cardiac fibrosis, explains Dr. Timothy Moynihan with MayoClinic.com. The severity of chest pain symptoms can vary depending upon the size and location of the heart tumor. People who experience sudden or severe chest pain may be having a heart attack and should receive immediate medical attention.
Arrythmias
Cancerous cell growth in the heart can disrupt the normal contraction and relaxation of the cardiac muscle. Consequently, people with this disease can develop heart rate abnormalities called arrythmias, the National Cancer Institute reports. Heart rate changes can contribute to sensations of dizziness or fatigue in certain people. People who experience unusual heart rate changes should consult a physician for further care.
Breathing Difficulties or Cough
When blood collects around the heart due to a cardiac tumor, people can develop breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath, Stanford Hospital and Clinics warns. Certain people can also experience a persistent cough or may begin to cough up small amounts of blood, a sign of heart cancer called hemoptysis.
Flu-like Symptoms
A primary heart tumor can cause flu-like symptoms to emerge in people with this disease. These signs of cardiac cancer include weight loss, fatigue, malaise, fever and night sweats, Stanford Hospital and Clinics reports. Flu-like heart cancer symptoms can become worse as the cancer cells continue to advance. People who experience these symptoms may have difficulty remaining alert and productive while performing their usual daily activities.
