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When venous thrombotic events occur in apparently healthy older people (age, ≥60), the cause can be previously unsuspected cancer. Tumor cells, even in small numbers, release many procoagulants, which results in superficial and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). However, is the incidence of occult malignancy in patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) high enough to justify extensive searches for tumors in such patients? And, if a tumor is discovered and treated, is risk for recurrent venous thrombosis lower, and is overall survival lengthened? These questions are addressed in a recent observational study that was performed by investigators from several European hospitals (using the RIETE Registry).
Patients with documented VTE were considered …