Understanding blood clot

A blood clot is a thickening of the blood and the formation of a mass. Blood clotting is important in injuries as it helps to stop bleeding. The problem arises when the blood clots in the veins and arteries. This leads to blockage of blood supply to the specific organ.

Blockage of blood supply to the brain causes stroke, the heart causes heart attack, and no blood supply to the lower limbs causes deep vein thrombosis.

There are various factors that cause a blood clot. Chemotherapy is one of the factors that is associated with a blood clot as a side effect.

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are at a higher risk of developing blood clots. Specific cancers that have blood clots are lung cancers, lymphomas, ovarian cancers, bladder cancer, testicular cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, and lymphomas.

Different types of blood clots

Blood clots are a threat to life that needs immediate treatment.

The types of blood clots are named according to their origin or depending upon the part of the body being affected.

For example –

1.     A blood clot in the veins, commonly in the legs is known as Deep vein thrombosis.
2.     A clot formed somewhere else but floats in the lungs is a Pulmonary embolus.
3.     Venous thromboembolism is a term used when both the above are present.

Blood clots and cancer

Cancer makes you prone to blood clots. Venous thromboembolism and deep vein thrombosis are the most common type of blood clots occurring in cancer patients.

Any cancer patient can develop a blood clot that might occur due to the type of treatment and other medications.

There are other medical conditions such as Factor 5 Leiden thrombophilia in which blood clots. Having such a disorder along with cancer increases the risk of blood clots.

Patients undergoing cancer treatment suffer from side effects that might cause blood clots. Some of the cancer medicines that cause blood clots are –

Thalidomide

Platinum

Lenalidomide

Sorafenib

Tamoxifen

Bevacizumab

L-asparaginase

Signs and symptoms of the blood clot

• Swelling on the arms or legs of either side
• Pain in the region of a blood clot
• Low oxygen level
• Tachycardia
• Breathing problem or chest pain
• Red or skin discoloration

Diagnosis of a blood clot

Blood clots are diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound, CT scan, Lung ventilation, and angiogram.

Take care and protect your health

Keep yourself aware of the signs and symptoms and various factors of blood clots. Consult the healthcare provider for a better prevention plan. The earlier the treatment is received, the higher are the chances of recovery

About Mozocare

Mozocare is a medical access platform for hospitals and clinics to assist patients to access the best medical care at affordable prices. It offers medical information, medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, laboratory consumables, and other allied services.

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