The statistics from numerous medical studies have confirmed that cancer patients are more likely to develop varicose veins and complain of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) as compared to their counterparts.
There is an increased risk of DVT for the stomach, lung, liver, and pancreatic cancer patients. Also, patients with leukemia and lymphoma are also highly probable for developing blood clots sooner or later.
There are scientific explanations and medical reasons that have linked cancer to increased chances of venous disorders, especially blood clots in the deep veins. Let us understand them below:
- Cancer cells interfere with the blood clotting process that is necessary to prevent unusually high bleeding from wounds. These often lead to abnormal or excessive clotting.
- Many chemotherapy drugs are also known to hinder the usual clotting process and cause damage to the veins.
- Cancer patients who undergo surgery also have low levels of physical activity and thus poor blood circulation.
These are the primary reasons that increase the chances of blood clotting and DVT in cancer patients. It is essential for all cancer patients and even cancer survivors to learn about the symptoms, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of DVT as it usually requires immediate medical care.
Also, being aware of DVT will help in avoiding its side-effects such as restricted blood flow, enlarged veins caused due to pooling of blood, excessive swelling, never-ending pain, itching in the affected area, feeling of heaviness, and DVT complications such as pulmonary embolism.
Although DVT can be life-threatening for cancer patients, there is no need to panic. Healthcare practitioners and vascular experts have found ways to achieve the righteous blood flow in cancer patients thus preventing blood clots in the deep veins.
Knowing the Relationship between DVT and Cancer
Usually, before even starting treatment for cancer, your doctor will ask you questions about the family history and your own medical history of blood clots or related venous disorder. The healthcare practitioner may also advise you to undergo blood tests to check for protein deficiencies that are likely to promote unusual blood clotting. For a few patients, the doctors may suggest an ultrasound of the legs to check the veins for the presence of any blood clots.
It is essential for you to know that like cancer patients are at an enhanced risk of DVT, DVT patients are also highly likely to develop cancer cells. This is why doctors always suggest people who had DVT earlier to undergo cancer screenings from time to time.
Preventing DVT in Cancer Patients
There are numerous ways in which doctors treating cancer patients help them in the prevention of DVT :
- Doctors prescribe blood thinners, also called as anti-coagulants to prevent the formation of blood clots.
- Healthcare practitioners may also advice certain drugs that help break down the clots for patients who have already developed blood clots.
- For some patients, doctors may choose to place a filter in the inferior vena cava (the large vein that is responsible for moving blood from the legs to the heart). This filter helps catch any clots and prevents their movement to the heart or lungs.
- If a blood clot is developed and it is not getting dissolved from medicines, surgical removal becomes necessary.
With the above-mentioned therapies to prevent blood clots in cancer patients, there are increased chances of excessive bleeding and thus doctors carefully regulate the dosage of the medications based on the patient’s medical history and response to treatment.
In addition to the above methods, all cancer patients must maintain a healthy lifestyle to do their bit in limiting the chances of DVT. Ensure to remain physically active, avoid eating fatty food, give-up on alcohol, caffeine, and smoking. You can also consult your doctor about the recommended usage of compression stockings to ensure righteous blood flow from legs back to the heart.
If you still face challenges in treating your blood clots and reducing the chances of DVT or have already been diagnosed with DVT and are looking for expert medical advice to manage this life-threatening medical disorder, look no further as the best-in-class medical cure and care is offered by the distinguished healthcare practitioner Dr. Rajah V Koppala at Avis Vascular Centre.
Avis Vascular Centre has world-class infrastructure and advanced medical equipment for unmatched medical assistance for all venous disorders such as spider veins, varicose veins, blood clots, DVT, choric venous insufficiency, and venous ulcers. Dr. Rajah V Koppala is an internationally qualified and highly acclaimed vascular expert and laparoscopic surgeon with more than two decades of experience.
Dr. Rajah V Koppala stresses on the need for patient satisfaction and ensures seamless treatment procedures for a hassle-free medical experience for all his patients. He is a thorough professional at his job and leaves no stone unturned to offer nothing but the best medical advice and treatment for patients of all age groups. Book your consultation to get rid of your venous disorders!