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

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.