Cancer increases the risk of thrombosis, with cancer patients accounting for up to 25% of cases. Thrombosis medications remain the best option, but cancer treatments can make them ineffective or life-threatening. Deep vein and arterial thrombosis are common, with symptoms including limb swelling and abnormal sensations. Certain factors increase the risk, including cancer surgery and chemotherapy. Heparin prophylaxis is a safe option for treating postoperative blood clots.
Thrombosis and cancer are two of the most serious medical conditions a person can be diagnosed with. The former disorder is an obstruction of blood flow due to a clot while the latter involves rapid and abnormal cell growth. On the surface, these conditions are seemingly unrelated, but thrombosis is actually a common and dangerous side effect of cancer. Both cancer treatments and types of cancer can increase a patient’s risk of developing thrombosis, mainly due to increased inflammatory responses in the body. Some researchers also believe that there is a negative link between thrombosis treatments and the effects of cancer.
Cancer can lead to a higher risk of developing thrombosis. Some researchers have found that the likelihood of thrombosis is multiplied by up to six times in cancer patients. Individuals diagnosed with cancer may, in fact, account for up to 25% of thrombosis cases. Even more dangerous, case studies also reveal that thrombosis is a major culprit in the death rates among cancer patients.
To complicate matters further, the effects of cancer often make thrombosis treatments useless or even life-threatening. Recurrence of the thrombotic condition is common for cancer patients, even with anticoagulant medications. Bleeding complications are also a major concern for cancer patients using these drugs.
Despite the risks, thrombosis medications remain the best option for fighting thrombosis. A type of medication known as heparin prophylaxis is perhaps the safest option for treating this condition in cancer patients, especially postoperative blood clots. A diligent physician can best determine the risks and benefits of treatment options.
The most common link between thrombosis and cancer is the development of deep vein thrombosis or arterial thrombosis in the blood vessels of the limbs. Experts speculate that the cancerous growths inflame tissues and produce harmful chemicals, two effects that kick-start the body’s protective blood-clotting response. Both types of thrombosis can create life-threatening complications. If a clot fragment from deep vein thrombosis travels to the lungs, the resulting pulmonary embolism can cause death. Cases of artery-related thrombosis carry potentially fatal risks, namely stroke or heart attack.
The effects of thrombosis and cancer have both unique and general symptoms. Swelling, discoloration, or any kind of prolonged abnormal sensation in the limbs are the most common indicators. Worsening cases may also be indicated by shortness of breath, tiredness or chest pain. Thrombosis can also be an early symptom of the cancer itself. Non-thrombosis-related cancer effects can include swelling or pain around a tumor lump, tiredness, and a variety of symptoms specific to the tumor.
Certain factors elevate the risk of a thrombosis and cancer connection. Cancer surgery carries a high risk, as do other aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy. More advanced cancers also pose a greater threat for complications. Tumors affecting major organs also appear to have a high susceptibility to thrombosis.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
