Heart tumor: rare signs that may go unnoticed

Anthony V Pais, clinical director of oncology, explained to the Only My Health website which symptoms of heart tumors can go unnoticed.

Heart tumor: know the symptoms

"Heart tumors are very rare, and the symptoms are often confused with those of more common heart or respiratory diseases. This situation can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment," he said.

“One of the things that concerns us as oncologists is that patients tend to ignore early warning signs, considering them vague or unrelated to cancer or tumors,” the expert added.

See the signs that should never be left aside.

Persistent shortness of breath

"Many patients attribute this sign to aging, lack of physical fitness, stress, asthma or weight gain. But a tumor that develops in the heart can interfere with normal blood flow. It can also impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively."

Inexplicable tiredness

"Patients often report fatigue even after getting enough sleep. Activities that were once normal, such as walking, climbing stairs, shopping or getting through a day at work, can suddenly seem very difficult. Fatigue is such a common symptom in modern life that it often ends up being ignored."

Discomfort or pressure in the chest

"Heart tumors can also cause chest pain, pressure or a feeling of heaviness, as they affect the surrounding tissues and interfere with heart function. The pain can be intermittent and does not always occur during physical exertion, making it easily ignored."

Cardiac arrhythmia

"Tumors that affect some areas of the heart can disrupt electrical signaling, causing palpitations, irregular beats, tachycardia or arrhythmias. Some patients experience dizziness or near-fainting episodes due to these changes in heart rhythm."

Dizziness

"A tumor can partially block blood flow within the heart and reduce the amount of blood reaching the brain. Patients may also experience episodes of dizziness, fainting or feeling like they are going to pass out, especially during physical activities."

Swelling in the legs

“Persistent swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen may indicate problems with blood flow. There are many causes for swelling, but doctors consider heart tumors as one possibility when symptoms appear accompanied by other warning signs.”

Malaise, weight loss and fever

“The immune system can react to the tumor and produce symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, recurrent low-grade fever, loss of appetite, night sweats and a general feeling of being unwell. These symptoms are often confused with viral infections or fatigue caused by stress.”

Frequent heartburn can be a sign of aggressive cancer; see alerts

Experts warn that symptoms such as persistent burning, difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss and recurrent indigestion may indicate esophageal cancer, a disease that has a greater chance of being cured when diagnosed early.