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Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
Tumors associated with superficial thrombophlebitis
W G Mouton1, Y Kienle, B Muggli
1Department of Surgery, Spital Thun, Thun, Switzerland. wolfgang.mouton@spitalthun.ch
VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten
|July 10, 2009
Summary
Superficial thrombophlebitis can indicate underlying cancer, particularly breast, colon, hematologic, and skin cancers. Early detection requires thorough clinical examination when malignancy is unknown.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Medicine
Background:
- Thrombophlebitis, particularly superficial, is a clinical sign that may be associated with malignancy.
- Assessing the incidence of malignant tumors in patients with leg thrombophlebitis is crucial for early cancer detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between thrombophlebitis of the leg and the incidence of malignant tumors.
- To determine the potential of thrombophlebitis as an early indicator for specific cancer types.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective follow-up study involving 140 consecutive patients.
- Data collected over a 9-year period using electronic patient records.
Main Results:
- 18 patients (12.9%) with thrombophlebitis were diagnosed with a malignant tumor.
- Associated cancers included breast (7), colon (4), hematologic (4), skin (3), esophageal (1), prostate (1), kidney (1), and neck (1).
- Thrombophlebitis preceded malignancy diagnosis in 2 patients; superficial thrombophlebitis was linked to benign tumors in 4 cases (2.9%).
Conclusions:
- Superficial thrombophlebitis is frequently associated with breast, colonic, hematologic, and skin cancers.
- A comprehensive clinical examination, focusing on skin, breast, and abdomen, is essential for patients presenting with thrombophlebitis without a known malignancy.
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