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Venous thromboembolism and melanoma.
M Valente1, F Pozzi-Mucelli, E Ponte
1Internal Medicine Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera, Ospedali Riuniti di Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
Minerva Cardioangiologica
|September 5, 2001
Summary
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is linked to cancer. This case highlights a rare and severe VTE manifestation in melanoma metastasis, leading to fatal pulmonary embolism despite treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- The established link between cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) involves complex mechanisms.
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapy can also increase thrombosis risk.
Observation:
- A patient with Clark level II melanoma underwent surgical excision.
- Four years post-surgery, the patient developed pulmonary metastasis.
Findings:
- The melanoma metastasis presented with severe venous thromboembolism.
- Despite anticoagulant therapy and vena caval filter placement, the patient died from pulmonary embolism.
Implications:
- This case underscores the uncommon and severe association between melanoma and VTE.
- Highlights the critical need for vigilance in VTE risk assessment in melanoma patients.