Heart Cancer Treatment in Israel

Some common symptoms of heart cancer include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Heart palpitations
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Unexplained weight loss

There are several types of heart tumors, including:

• Mesothelioma: A rare cancer that affects the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium. It is often associated with exposure to asbestos.

• Sarcoma of the heart: A group of malignant tumors that originate from the connective tissues of the heart, such as muscle, fat, or blood vessels.

• Primary cardiac lymphoma: A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that begins in the heart, often affecting the atria or the pericardium.

• Liposarcoma: A rare cancer that starts in the fat cells of the heart, usually occurring in the right atrium or the pericardium.

• Fibrosarcoma: A malignant tumor that arises from the fibrous connective tissue of the heart, often affecting the pericardium or the myocardium.

• Rhabdomyosarcoma: A rare type of sarcoma that originates from the skeletal muscle cells of the heart, typically affecting children and young adults.

• Angiosarcoma: A highly aggressive cancer that starts in the cells lining the blood vessels of the heart, most commonly affecting the right atrium and pericardium. This is the most common type of primary malignant heart tumor.

The exact causes of heart cancer are unknown, but some risk factors include:

• Family history of heart cancer: Individuals with a family history of heart cancer may have a higher risk of developing the disease due to shared genetic factors or environmental exposures.

• Exposure to certain chemicals or radiation: Some studies suggest that exposure to specific chemicals, such as vinyl chloride or arsenic, or ionizing radiation may increase the risk of developing heart cancer.

• Genetic mutations: Certain inherited genetic mutations, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome or Carney complex, have been associated with an increased risk of developing heart tumors.

• Certain viral infections: Some viral infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, have been linked to an increased risk of developing primary cardiac lymphoma, a rare type of heart cancer.

At Ichilov Clinic, the diagnostic process for heart cancer includes:

• Thorough medical history and physical examination: The doctor will ask about the patient’s symptoms, personal and family medical history, and perform a physical examination to assess the patient’s overall health and detect any abnormalities.

• Imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRI, and echocardiograms: These tests use advanced imaging technology to create detailed pictures of the heart, helping doctors identify the presence, location, and size of any tumors.
  • CT scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the heart.
  • MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function.
  • Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create a real-time image of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its function and detect any abnormalities.

• Blood tests: Blood tests can help detect certain substances, known as tumor markers, which may indicate the presence of heart cancer. They can also provide information about the patient’s overall health and organ function.

• Biopsy: A biopsy involves the removal of a small sample of tissue from the suspected tumor for examination under a microscope. This helps confirm the presence of cancer and determine its type and aggressiveness.

The benefits of diagnosis in Israel and at Ichilov Clinic include access to cutting-edge technology, a multidisciplinary team of experts, and personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Treatment options available at Ichilov Clinic include:

• Surgery to remove the tumor: Depending on the size and location of the tumor, surgeons may perform various procedures to remove the cancerous tissue. This can include resection of the tumor, heart valve repair or replacement, or even heart transplantation in rare cases.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth. It may be administered before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, or as the primary treatment for inoperable tumors.

• Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth. It may be used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy, or as a standalone treatment for inoperable tumors or those not responding to other therapies.

• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapies are drugs that specifically target the molecular changes that drive the growth and spread of cancer cells. They may be used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or as a standalone treatment for certain types of heart cancer.

• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to help fight cancer. It may involve the use of drugs that stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, or the introduction of modified immune cells that are specifically designed to target the tumor.

Patients who choose Ichilov Clinic for their heart cancer treatment benefit from the expertise of world-class medical professionals, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to providing the highest quality of care.