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Open AccessCase Report

Recurrent thromboflebitis as a warning sign for cancer: a case report

Henk CPM van Weert1 and Francien Pingen2

Academic Medical Centre Amsterdam, Dpt General Practice Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Health Centre Gein, Wisseloordplein 50 1106 MH Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Cases Journal 2009, 2:153doi:10.1186/1757-1626-2-153

Published: 13 October 2009

Abstract

Introduction

The association between unprovoked deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism and malignancy is well established. For unprovoked superficial thrombophlebitis this association has been documented in a few case-reports only.

Case presentation

A 54-year-old apparently healthy male presents for the fourth time with an unprovoked superficial thrombophlebitis of the leg. When screened for underlying causes a renal cell carcinoma and an adenocarcinoma of the prostate are diagnosed. The renal cell carcinoma pointed out to have been visible on a CT-scan, made just before the time of the first presentation of the thrombophlebitis.

Conclusion

Unprovoked and recurrent thrombophlebitis is a rare condition and its presentation might be a warning sign for a (yet undiagnosed) cancer. Physicians should be on their guard and consider screening for cancer. Usefulness of such a screening however is not known.


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