According to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center, cancer patients that that have been treated with chemotherapy usually develop blood clots following hospital discharge, and not while still admitted.
The study, which examined almost 18,000 cancer patients over about four years, revealed that outpatients made up 78 percent of the 5.6 percent that developed blood clots. When a blood clot, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), occurs, red blood cells, clotting proteins and platelets form a mass, preventing blood flow.
Roughly one in five cancer patients develops a blood clot following their diagnosis, and the report points out that once a cancer patient develops a blood clot, it is more likely that they will develop others. Cancer outpatients need to be at the center of blood clot prevention efforts, as they are more likely to develop a clot than those patients still admitted to the hospital.
Many cancer patients need to be educated on the importance of blood clot prevention, as well as on preventive treatment they can receive if they are at risk of a clot. If a cancer patient has symptoms of a clot, such as swelling of the limbs or shortness of breath, they should contact their physician immediately.
If a blood clot goes undiagnosed, it can cause serious complications or death. If you or a loved one was hurt by doctor or hospital negligence, call or email the medical malpractice attorneys at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys have helped clients with Bronx medical malpractice, Queens medical malpractice, Brooklyn medical malpractice, Manhattan medical malpractice and Long Island medical malpractice cases.
Call toll-free, 1-877-ASK4SAM
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