Cardiac Sarcoma
By: Kirubel & K.B.
Cardiac Sarcoma
Cardiac Sarcoma is a rare tumor that occurs in the heart. It's a primary malignant (cancerous) cardiac tumor.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on location of the tumor.
- Angiosarcoma occurs in the right atrium resulting in obstruction of the inflow or outflow of blood with swelling of the legs, ankles, feet or the abdomen.
- Pericardium (thin sac around the heart) can cause too much fluid inside the sac which effects hearts ability to pump
- Tiny pieces (emboli) may break off and travel to the other parts of the body
- Emboli can affect the brain (stroke) and lungs (respiratory distress)
- Symptoms not including the location of the tumor is rapid weight loss, night sweats, and hemoptysis (coughing blood)
Diagnosis
- Echocardiogram- sound wave to produce the motion of the motion of the heart chambers
- Electrocardiogram- records hearts electrical activity
- CAT Scan- Imaging procedure using x-rays to see axial images of the body
- MRI- Combination of large magnets to produce detailed images
- Chest X-ray- Electromagnetic energy beams to produce images
- Biopsy- Removal of small tissue to examine
Treatment
- Surgery (removal of tumor)
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Kinase inhibitors
- Organ transplantation
Prognosis
The survival rate is based upon age, overall health, location of the tumor, and your medical history
Cardiac Sarcoma 2