Blood clots associated with lung cancer: Triggers, gravity, and additional details
Lung cancer is a serious disease that can lead to various complications, one of which is the development of blood clots in the veins, a condition known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). This includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
According to recent studies, approximately 3.7% of people with lung cancer develop PE[1]. The coexistence of lung cancer and blood clots can significantly worsen survival outcomes for patients. Lung cancer patients who develop blood clots tend to have reduced survival rates due to the added risks of complications, treatment interruptions, and increased morbidity associated with thrombosis[1][3][5].
PE is a potentially fatal condition that requires immediate medical attention. It happens when a blood clot develops in the lungs or when one develops in a deep vein, usually in the legs, and breaks off, traveling to the lungs[2]. Treatment for PE typically involves preventing future clots and the body resorbing the existing clot.
DVT develops in a deep vein, usually in the legs, and PE occurs when a blood clot such as DVT breaks free and travels to the lungs[2]. Symptoms of PE include shortness of breath, rapid breathing and heart rate, coughing, and pain when breathing deeply. Coughing up blood is one symptom of PE. Other possible symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, rapid heart rate, and sudden collapse[1][4].
Doctors may initially mistake PE symptoms for symptoms of lung cancer or side effects of lung cancer treatments[6]. In some cases, a person with PE may need a procedure to remove the clot after diagnosis[7].
Several factors increase the risk of developing DVT and PE, including cancer itself, certain cancer treatments, smoking, age over 65, long periods of sitting or lying down, pregnancy, hormonal therapies, family history of blood clots, obesity, recent surgery, infection, and the use of central venous catheters[8].
In a 2020 study, the median survival time for older adults with both lung cancer and PE was around [REDACTED][1]. However, prompt treatment can help significantly improve the outlook for patients with blood clots in the lungs[9]. Lung cancer treatments such as blood thinners may be part of ongoing treatment for PE.
Efforts to improve patient education about thrombosis risk and preventive measures are important for this population[1]. Among all PEs included in a review, 29.4-63% were unsuspected, meaning they were discovered on scans ordered for other purposes[6].
In the final days of end-stage lung cancer, a person may experience pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of appetite and thirst[10]. It's crucial for patients and their families to be aware of the risks associated with lung cancer and blood clots and to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
References:
- Lung Cancer and Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review of Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Venous Thromboembolism in Cancer Patients: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Prevention Strategies
- Symptoms of Pulmonary Embolism
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Venous Thromboembolism
- Unsuspected Pulmonary Embolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Pulmonary Embolism: Diagnosis and Management
- Risk Factors for Developing Venous Thromboembolism
- Improving Outcomes for Patients with Cancer and Pulmonary Embolism
- Symptoms of End-Stage Lung Cancer
- Lung cancer can lead to thrombosis, specifically venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
- PE, a potentially fatal condition caused by blood clots in the lungs or travelling from deep veins, requires immediate medical attention and can worsen survival outcomes for lung cancer patients.
- In addition to lung cancer, several medical-conditions such as smoking, age, hormonal therapies, and recent surgery increase the risk of DVT and PE.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment of PE can significantly improve the outlook for patients, making health-and-wellness education about thrombosis risk and preventive measures essential for this population.
