C38: Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura

The group of conditions encapsulated under the title "Malignant neoplasm of heart, mediastinum and pleura" encompasses various forms of cancer that occur in these specific parts of the body. In simpler terms, they are types of cancer that develop in the heart (the body's main organ for pumping blood), the mediastinum (the area between the lungs that holds the heart, esophagus, trachea, and main bronchi), or the pleura (the tissues surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity). These cancers can start in any of these locations or, quite often, they may be secondary growths, which means they have spread there from another part of the body. Symptoms can vary but commonly include chest pain, persistent cough, difficulty breathing, noticeable weight loss, and general fatigue. The progression of these conditions can be influenced by a range of factors, such as the patient's overall health and the exact type and stage of cancer.