$Unique_ID{BRK01141}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is There A Cancer of the Heart?}
$Subject{heart tumors cancer cancers neoplasm neoplasms Circulatory benign
myxoma tumor rate rhythm beat weight loss fatigue joint joints fever}
$Volume{B-3,G-3}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There A Cancer of the Heart?


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QUESTION:  Although we read of many types of tumors and cancers, and are also
told that heart disease causes many deaths, I don't think I have ever heard of
a cancer of the heart.  This would certainly be a most tragic disease and
something that should receive study to increase knowledge of prevention.
Could you discuss this for me?

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ANSWER:  Though there is much to know about preventing cancer of the lungs,
and early detection of breast cancers for early treatment, there is a
legitimate reason for little discussion of heart tumors.  They are amongst the
most uncommon tumors found in post-mortem examinations, as little as 0.3
percent.  Primary tumors of the heart, that is those that originate in the
heart muscle itself, are for the most part benign tumors, and do not spread to
other parts of the party.  The most commonly found growth is called a myxoma,
or tumor of the connective tissue.  Although the greatest danger with tumors
growing in the heart is their ability to disrupt the flow of electrical
impulses which control the rate and rhythm of the heart beat, myxomas also
produce symptoms that include weight loss, fatigue, painful joints, fever and
even a rash.  When the tumors grow into the cavity of the heart they can also
interrupt the easy passage of blood through the heart.  While the study of any
disease state leads to knowledge that may help fight other illness, it is the
major diseases that affect many people that receive the most attention, and
that is as it should be.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.