Malignancy and hypercoagulability: a two-way association revisited

Increasing evidence is highlighting the relationship between malignancy and hypercoagulability as a bidirectional association. We herein share our experience with a patient in whom such an association may be entertained. The patient, who had a history of venous thromboembolism, presented to our care with manifestation of stroke. Extensive workup revealed that the patient carries prothrombotic mutations in the prothrombin and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genes. The patient, a non-smoker, was also diagnosed with non-small cell lung carcinoma. The possible association between the patient's malignancy and prothrombotic state are further discussed.