A medical organization that works with patients who have experienced blood clots or, in particular, who have thromboembolism (experience with or risk of a piece breaking off of a blood clot and causing a life-threatening blockage), has noted that there is a link between people who have unexplained blood clots and who are subsequently diagnosed with cancer.
The INATE (Investigators Against ThromboEmbolism) website includes an article that discusses the link between cancer and unexplained blood clots and includes a bibliography with medical publication citations. In addition, a British cancer research organization’s website includes a simple and precisely written article to explain why blood clots occur in cancer patients. This second article also discusses types of cancers and related factors. However, the studies and the correlation are otherwise not widely discussed on Internet resources at this time.
Blood Clots
Blood clots go by many names, which usually refer to the part of the body where they are found. A blood clot can be very serious, especially if a clot or portion of it begins to move and causes a blockage in the heart, lungs, or brain. Pain, swelling, and warmth are symptoms of a blood clot. Blood clots should be treated immediately by a physician who will prescribe an appropriate blood thinner.
The Link Between Cancer and Blood Clots
Cancer cells release chemicals that cause the body to make more platelets, the cells that cause blood to clot. People with cancer also often have higher levels of clotting factors in their blood. The combination of platelets and clotting factors form blood clots that prevent bleeding, which is normally a good thing. However, if there are too many platelets and clotting factors, the blood may clump and block the life-giving flow of blood.
Evidence and studies are showing that patients with a blood clot that cannot be explained by other factors have a higher risk than the general population of being diagnosed with cancer soon after it is discovered. The cancer is usually detected within a year of their blood clot detection. Afterwards, the risk of a correlation between the blood clot and a cancer diagnosis decreases.
If a Blood Clot Occurs
If an unexplained blood clot appears, a patient's doctor should conduct tests to determine the cause. In most cases, if unexplained by other factor and cancer is the cause, the cancer will be discovered in this process.
At present, there is no accurate and reliable means of testing for the correlation between blood clots and cancers beyond tests that are currently available to detect cancers. These tests and clinical means of evaluating patients with clots are suggested as the best means to detect the abnormalities associated with cancers. It is currently believed that another test would not result in extending life.
If cancer is not detected at the time of the clot, doctors who are aware of the correlation between blood clots and cancers are alert to the risk. They repeat clinical evaluation and tests at regular intervals.
Read more about blood clot risks.
