Can breast cancer cause pericardial effusion?

Can breast cancer cause pericardial effusion?

Background. Malignant pericardial effusion caused by carcinomatous pericarditis is a complication of advanced malignancy. Breast cancer is the second most important cause of malignant pericardial effusion. Malignant pericardial effusion is the end stage of breast cancer, and the prognosis is very poor.

What causes large pericardial effusion?

Causes of pericardial effusion include: Inflammation of the pericardium following heart surgery or a heart attack. Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Spread of cancer (metastasis), particularly lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or Hodgkin’s disease.

What does pericardial thickening mean?

Constrictive pericarditis is long-term, or chronic, inflammation of the pericardium. The pericardium is the sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart. Inflammation in this part of the heart causes scarring, thickening, and muscle tightening, or contracture.

What type of cancer causes pericardial effusion?

Malignant pericardial effusions are most often caused by lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia.

Is pericardial effusion cancerous?

Pericardial effusions may occur with any type of cancer, but the most common include lung cancer, breast cancer, and lymphomas. With lung cancer, pericardial effusions are very common, with many people undergoing radiation therapy for lung cancer developing some degree of an effusion.

Can an EKG show fluid around heart?

While an abnormal EKG is helpful in making the diagnosis, in the early stages of inflammation, the EKG may be normal. In most cases of uncomplicated pericarditis, a chest X-ray is usually normal. However, if fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, the heart can appear larger on the X-ray.

Can you have fluid around your heart?

Pericardial effusion is the buildup of extra fluid in the space around the heart. If too much fluid builds up, it can put pressure on the heart. This can prevent it from pumping normally. A fibrous sac called the pericardium surrounds the heart.