The Mystery Hidden by Pulmonary Embolism: Colonic Adenocarcinoma
Abstract
Despite
the fact that the association between cancer and pulmonary embolism is well
recognised, screening for malignancy is not conducted routinely. However,
screening for malignancy can be life-saving for some patients. We present the
case of a 53-year-old woman who was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism and
concomitant idiopathic venous thromboembolism (VTE) without any prominent risk
factors for a hypercoagulative state. Clinical and laboratory tests were used
to detect the potential causes of idiopathic VTE, such as occult cancer.
Consequently, abdominal magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography
revealed caecal tumour. Pathological test results indicated early-stage colonic
adenocarcinoma. Right hemicolectomy was performed by general surgery and the
patient was discharged from the hospital without any problems. Although there
has been no consensus about screening for an occult malignancy routinely in
idiopathic VTE, occult cancer should be considered in unexplained
hypercoagulative states.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Clinical Sciences
Journal Section
Case Report
Publication Date
August 1, 2016
Submission Date
August 1, 2016
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2016 Volume: 19 Number: 2