The pathophysiology of thrombosis in cancer.

Multiple mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of thrombosis in cancer. It is highly likely that, in an individual patient, a multifactorial etiology is operative. The three basic mechanisms for hypercoagulability in cancer are interrelated to a degree and probably are also the mechanisms involved in metastasis in addition to thrombosis. Manipulation of coagulation in the cancer patient has the potential to prevent complications, abrogate metastasis, and potentially prolong survival.