Mesothelioma compensation claims and thrombosis

One of the symptoms relating to mesothelioma can be thrombosis. Doctors attending a sufferer from this asbestos cancer should be alert to the possibility of this condition, but it is wise for anyone affected by the disease to be alert to it too.

Thrombosis is the name given to the situation where a blood clot, or thrombus, has formed within the body, usually within a vein (where it is known as venous thrombosis). Deep vein thrombosis, best known as a fear of long-haul flight passengers, occurs when this process happens in a major vein such as the femoral vein.

If the clot grows big enough, it can block blood flow, which can lead to cell death in the area that the vein the clot is in supplied oxygen to. If this area is vital, such as the heart, this can be a serious or even fatal complication. It is also possible for bacterial infections to colonise the clot, which - if it breaks down - can distribute infection through the body.

Studies have suggested that thrombosis is not very common in mesothelioma sufferers, occurring in 6.5% of cases - or one in fifteen. This is, however, not rare enough for it to be discounted as a potential complication.

A Japanese study from 2000 which investigated the symptoms of a mesothelioma sufferer remarked that "Deep vein thrombosis is a common complication of malignant disease, and is often the first clue to occult [hidden] malignancy." This not only shows the potential for connection between thrombosis and the industrial disease, but suggests that a thrombosis may be an early sign that can lead a doctor to an appropriate diagnosis.