Superficial vein thrombosis and its relationship with malignancies: a prospective observational study

The interrelation of cancer with venous thromboembolism is established, yet the specific impact on the incidence and progression of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) remains unclear.

To investigate the association between SVT and malignancies, focusing on risk factors, presentation, course and complications.

A single-center prospective observational study of patients diagnosed with DVT or SVT referred to a venous thromboembolism clinic between January 2013 and April 2018.

Of the 632 patients, 205 presented with SVT at referral, 16.6% having active cancer. Significant associations were found between active cancer and the risk of developing proximal SVT (RR 1.54 [1.18–2.03] p < 0.01), SVT within 3 cm from junction (RR 2.01 [1.13–3.72] p = 0.019), bilateral SVT (RR 8.38 [2.10-33.43] p < 0.01) and SVT affecting multiple veins (RR 2.42 [1.40–4.20] p < 0.01), with a higher risk of persistence (RR 1.51 [1.18–1.95] p < 0.01) and progression (RR 5.75 [2.23–14.79] p < 0.01) at initial assessment. Patients with SVT and no malignancy history demonstrated an elevated risk for new-onset cancer during follow-up (RR 1.43 [1.13–1.18] p = 0.022), especially in cases of proximal or bilateral SVT, initial progression or subsequent DVT or PE. No significant differences were observed in persistence, recurrence or complications during initial evaluation or follow-up across different pharmacological treatments.

Research suggests a probable link between cancer history and the development of SVT. SVT presented more severely in cancer patients. SVT, especially in its more complex forms, could serve as a predictive marker for the future development of cancer. Treatment approaches varied, no significant differences in outcomes were noted.