Over the years, there has been an unprecedented rise in the types of Cancer. New and rare forms keep showing up. One such rare and relatively lesser known form of cancer is the Heart Cancer. Surprisingly though, Heart Cancer was reportedly the main cause of death of Catherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII.
Understanding Heart Cancer
The heart can develop primary tumours or secondary tumours. Malignant tumours that begin in the heart are mostly sarcomas, a type that originates in the soft tissues of the body. The vast majority of heart tumours are benign.
Heart cancer can develop from any part of the heart. The most common heart cancers in adults are angiosarcomas, which tend to develop in the right upper chamber of the heart (atrium). Angiosarcomas originate from the cells that form the lining of blood vessels. These cells multiply and create irregular blood vessel-like masses that can bulge into the atrium and spread to adjacent structures.
The development of heart cancer can have the following effects,
- Obstruction of blood flow through the heart
- Stiffening of the heart muscle (cardiac fibrosis)
- Interference with heart valves (marantic endocarditis)
Symptoms of heart cancer
This form of cancer can develop without the manifestation of any significant symptoms, but, it may cause
- Chest pain or pressure
- Irregular heart beats
- Cold and clammy skin
- Fatigue
- Swelling of feet and ankles
- Weight gain
- Anxiety
Available Treatments
Heart cancer is a fatal disease. However, there are some treatment options which can help in lowering the symptoms and increasing the quality of life of the patient. The most common treatment options for heart cancer include
Radiation
In the long run, this treatment might lead to other heart related complications.
Chemotherapy
The results of chemotherapy vary from patient to patient. Some go into remission, some do not benefit at all and in some cases only the symptoms are assuaged till the patient finally succumbs to the disease.
Injections and Drainage
When the tumour starts secreting a fluid which interferes with the heart’s normal functions, needles are used to drain out the fluid. Injections are also used to administer medicines.
Preventive Measures
Heart cancer can be attributed to multiple nutritional deficiencies.
An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding them with the foods which they need in order to multiply.
- Cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment. Avoid acidic food. E.g. -Meat.
- A diet consisting of 80 percent fresh vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and fruits.
- Green tea is a better alternative to caffeine as it has cancer-fighting properties.
- Drink eight to ten glasses of purified water daily
- Don’t use plastic containers in the microwave.
- Don’t buy cheese or meat shrink-wrapped in plastic.
- Don’t use non-stick cookware.
- Detoxifying regularly supports the immune system.
Cancer is a disease of the body, mind, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor.
