Tumors associated with superficial thrombophlebitis

To assess the incidence of malignant tumors in patients with thrombophlebitis of the leg with regard to potential early tumor detection. 140 consecutive patients were enrolled over a period of over 9 years in a retrospective follow-up study based on the electronic patient record. There were 18 patients (12.9%) suffering from thrombophlebitis in association with a malignant tumor: breast cancer in seven patients, colon carcinoma and haematologic cancer in four, skin cancer in three patients and one case each of oesophageal, prostatic, kidney and neck cancer . In two patients thrombophlebitis preceded the diagnosis of the malignancy. Superficial thrombophlebitis may have been associated in four cases (2.9%) with a benign tumor. Breast, colonic, haematological and skin cancer were mainly associated with superficial thrombophlebitis in our patients. In case of a thrombophlebitis without a known malignancy a thorough clinical examination with special regard to skin, breast and abdomen is mandatory.