It’s important that men who are suffering from prostate cancer understand that they are at an elevated risk for blood clots. A study recently published in The Lancet Oncology, reports that prostate cancer patients who receive endocrine treatment are more likely to suffer from thromboembolic disease or blood clotting.
The Need for Continued Treatment and Monitoring
While prostate cancer endocrine treatment may increase the likelihood a sufferer has blood clots, it’s not a reason to stop or change treatment. Since endocrine is a proven successful treatment, it’s important that prostate cancer sufferers continue with it but also receive extra monitoring for thromboembolic disease.
Symptoms of Thromboembolic Disease
Blood clots are serious. If they happen in the heart, you could have a stroke, heart attack or damage your kidneys. If you have one in the lungs, you may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, fainting or even death. In extremities, such as the arms or legs, you may experience pain, swelling and warmth in the affected area.
If you feel as though you are suffering from thromboembolism, please advice your doctor immediately. Thromboembolism medications exist known as thrombolytics or blood thinners.
Thu, Apr 15, 2010
Blood Disorders, Health