Metastases to the heart

Secondary heart tumors are common in patients with metastatic tumor disease, afflicting up to one-quarter of them. Clinically, secondary heart tumors usually remain silent. However, ultrasound examination of the heart should be performed as soon as symptoms of heart failure, angina pectoris, embolism or rhythm disturbances develop, or a new heart murmur becomes audible, or as soon as heart size increases radiologically. Additional information may be obtained by computer tomography or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging. To note cardiac involvement does not only have prognostic implications: even if only exceptionally curative therapy may be available, palliative measures may improve the quality of life of affected patients. © 2004 European Society for Medical Oncology.