Can You Get Cancer in the Heart? Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors

When people hear the word “cancer,” they usually think of the lungs, breasts, or colon. But can you actually get cancer in the heart? Surprisingly, yes—although heart cancer is extremely rare. Because the heart is such a vital organ, even noncancerous growths (called heart tumors) can be life-threatening. In this blog post, we’ll explore what heart cancer is, its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and treatment options.

Is it possible to get cancer in the heart?

Heart cancer does exist, but it’s rare. Unlike other organs, the heart is made mostly of muscle cells that do not divide rapidly. Cancer usually develops in tissues where cells multiply quickly, which may help explain why heart cancer is so rare.

Most heart tumors are not cancerous (benign). These can still interfere with blood flow, disrupt heart rhythm, and cause serious complications. However, when a malignant (cancerous) tumor develops in the heart, it’s known as primary heart cancer.

Cancer found in the heart is more often secondary, meaning it has spread from another part of the body—such as the lungs, breasts, kidneys, or blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma).

Types of Heart Cancer:

Common Symptoms of Heart Cancer

Because heart cancer is rare, its symptoms are often mistaken for other heart conditions. However, certain warning signs should not be ignored. Symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath (especially when lying down)
• Chest pain or pressure
• Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in the legs or abdomen (due to fluid buildup)
• Unexplained fatigue or weakness
• Persistent cough (if the tumor presses on the lungs or blood vessels)
• Fainting or dizziness (due to blood-flow obstruction)

If you experience these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have heart cancer. Many other heart conditions can cause similar problems—but it’s always best to get checked by a cardiologist.

What Causes Cancer in the Heart?

Heart tumors are rare, and their causes aren’t fully understood, but certain risks are linked to them:

• Genetic mutations in heart tissue
• Exposure to radiation in the chest area
• A weakened immune system (for example, after organ transplantation or with HIV)
• Spread from another cancer (secondary tumors)

Unlike lung or liver cancer, lifestyle factors such as smoking or alcohol use are not strongly linked to heart cancer. However, maintaining overall heart health reduces the risk of other serious cardiovascular diseases.

Who is at risk of developing heart cancer?

There are no specific risk factors that guarantee its development. However, certain groups may face a higher risk:

• People with a family history of heart tumors
• Individuals who have received radiation therapy for other cancers
• Patients with weakened immune systems
• Those with a history of cancers that commonly spread to the heart (lung, breast, kidney, melanoma, lymphoma)

Additionally, age can play a role. Benign tumors such as myxomas are more often diagnosed in adults, while some malignant tumors appear in younger individuals.

How is heart cancer diagnosed and treated?

Since the symptoms of heart cancer are vague, diagnosis can be challenging. Doctors may recommend several tests to diagnose heart cancer. These include imaging tests such as:

• Echocardiogram (echo) — ultrasound of the heart
• MRI or CT scans — detailed imaging to detect tumors
• Biopsy — a tissue sample for confirmation

Heart Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment for heart cancer depends on the type, size, and stage of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health. A few of the most common and effective treatments are:

Surgery

• If possible, doctors may try to remove the tumor through surgery.
• This can sometimes eliminate it completely, or at least reduce its size to ease symptoms.

Chemotherapy

• Medicines are used to target and destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy may be given alone or combined with other treatments to help slow the cancer’s growth.

Radiation therapy

• High-energy beams are used to shrink or destroy tumors.
• This can help relieve symptoms or prevent the cancer from spreading further.

Targeted or newer therapies

• In some cases, newer treatments—such as targeted drugs or clinical trials—may be offered.
• These are designed to attack cancer cells in more precise ways.

Supportive (palliative) care

• Just as important as medical treatments is care that focuses on comfort and quality of life.
• This can help manage symptoms like pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath, and support emotional well-being.

Remember: Treatment is not the same for everyone. A team of specialists—heart doctors, cancer experts, and surgeons—usually work together to find the best approach. Asking questions, seeking second opinions, and leaning on family, friends, or support groups can make the journey feel less lonely.

Final Thoughts

So, can you get cancer in the heart? Yes—but it’s extremely rare. Most tumors found in the heart are noncancerous, like myxomas, yet they can still be dangerous. Malignant heart cancers such as angiosarcomas are aggressive and are often linked to secondary spread from other organs.

Being aware of heart cancer symptoms, understanding the types of heart cancer, and knowing about treatment options like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can support timely diagnosis and better outcomes.

FAQs

How common is heart cancer?

Heart cancer is extremely rare, with primary heart tumors accounting for less than 0.1% of all cancers.

Is heart cancer fatal?

Malignant heart cancers can be fatal, especially if not detected early, while benign tumors are usually treatable.

How fast does heart cancer spread?

Malignant heart tumors such as angiosarcomas can grow and spread rapidly, often affecting nearby tissues and other organs.

Can a heart tumor be removed surgically?

Yes. Many heart tumors—especially benign ones like myxomas—can be surgically removed; malignant tumors are more challenging.

Who is most at risk of developing heart cancer?

People with weakened immune systems, a history of cancers that spread to the heart, or rare genetic predispositions are at higher risk.

Can heart cancer cause sudden death?

Yes. Heart tumors can block blood flow or disrupt heart rhythm, potentially leading to sudden death.

Is heart cancer more common in men or women?

Primary heart cancers are slightly more common in men, but the overall incidence is very low for both sexes.