Cardiac Muscle Cancer: A Rare but Severe Disease with 5-7 Cases Reported Annually in Thailand, Affecting All Genders and Ages

Dr. Ampon Benjapholpitak, Director-General of the Department of Medicine, expressed deep condolences for the loss of Aom Akkaphan Namart. According to statistics, cardiac muscle cancer is very rare worldwide, including in Thailand. However, it can occur in individuals of all genders and ages, with an incidence rate of 0.1 per million people. In Thailand, there are approximately 5-7 new patients diagnosed each year. Most cases of heart cancer arise from the cells of blood vessel walls (Angiosarcoma), while those originating from cardiac muscle are referred to as Rhabdomyosarcoma. Currently, the exact cause of the disease remains unknown. However, some data suggest a possible genetic link.

Generally, the symptoms of the disease are not specific and may resemble symptoms of heart disease combined with cancer symptoms, manifesting as chronic conditions without a known cause, such as easy fatigue, weakness, rapid heart rate, slow heart rate, arrhythmias, as well as ischemia of the cardiac muscle, coughing with white phlegm, swelling around the eyes, and swelling of the legs and feet.

Air Chief Marshal Dr. Somchai Thanasitthichai, Director of the National Cancer Institute, further noted that the disease is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, making treatment less effective. When patients consult a physician, the doctor will begin by taking a medical history, listening to heart sounds, conducting an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, and imaging the heart using computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as performing a biopsy for pathological examination to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Regarding the treatment of cardiac muscle cancer, it often does not respond well to radiation and chemotherapy. Therefore, surgical removal of the tumor via open-heart surgery is typically required. Additionally, the prognosis is generally poor, with treatment outcomes dependent on the type of cancer cells, the extent of the disease, the complete removal of the tumor, and the response of cancer cells to chemotherapy.

From the information provided, it is clear that cardiac muscle cancer is very rare in the global population and that the exact cause remains unknown, resulting in a lack of preventive measures and screening data. Therefore, it is recommended to observe for any unusual symptoms in the body; if persistent abnormalities without a known cause are detected, it is essential to consult a doctor promptly.

Source: Thai Health