What is sarcoma of the heart?

Cardiac sarcoma is a rare type of primary malignant (cancerous) tumor that occurs in the heart. A primary cardiac tumor is one that starts in the heart. A secondary cardiac tumor starts somewhere else in the body and then spreads to the heart.

What causes cardiac angiosarcoma?

We don’t know what causes angiosarcoma of the heart. Some of these cancers have been linked to past radiotherapy treatment. But as it is such a rare cancer, it is difficult to find a common cause.

Can you survive cardiac sarcoma?

Cardiac sarcomas and mesotheliomas are the most lethal PMCTs, with 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates of 47%, 16%, and 11% and of 51%, 26%, and 23% compared with 59%, 41%, and 34% for lymphomas, respectively (log rank test P<0.001).

What is the treatment for cardiac sarcoma?

For treatment of cardiac sarcoma, complete surgical excision remains the therapeutic mainstay, followed by radiotherapy with or without sequential chemotherapy. Chemotherapy regimens containing anthracyclines, ifosfamide or taxanes have been reported.

Can cardiac sarcoma be cured?

Cardiac sarcoma is rarely cured, but prolonged survival or significant palliation is possible with surgical resection. Exploration with biopsy yields tissue for histologic diagnosis and assessment of the gross extent of the tumor.

What is angiosarcoma of the heart?

Cardiac sarcomas are most often a type of sarcoma called angiosarcoma. Most angiosarcomas occur in the right upper chamber (atrium) of the heart. The tumor blocks blood flow in and out of the chamber. This blockage may cause symptoms like chest pain and swelling of the feet, legs, ankles, or belly (abdomen).

Is cardiac angiosarcoma genetic?

Angiosarcoma can sometimes run in families. Scientists have found that people with a change in a gene called POT1 may develop angiosarcoma of the heart, and this change can be passed on to their children.

How rare is sarcoma of the heart?

Primary cardiac tumors are rare, with an overall incidence of 0.001–0.02% [1]. Of these, 25% are malignant, most commonly sarcomas.

How long can you live with a tumor on your heart?

Outlook / Prognosis The average life expectancy after a heart cancer diagnosis is about six months without surgical treatment, and greater than a year when surgery is possible with some reports of patients surviving several years after a complete resection of the tumor.

Is cardiac sarcoma curable?

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