Thrombosis in patients with cancer.

The relationship between cancer and abnormalities of blood coagulation has been recognized for well over a century. Deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremities is most common, but pulmonary embolism, upper extremity vein thrombosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and other, more unusual, clinical events may occur. Chemotherapy also has been linked to thrombotic episodes. Anticoagulant therapy is appropriate in many patients with venous or arterial thrombosis. Prophylaxis of venous thrombosis is particularly important in hospitalized cancer patients who are at bed rest or undergoing surgery.