[Unprovoked venous thromboembolism : should we look for occult cancer ?]

Idiopathic venous thromboembolic disease may be the first manifestation of a cancer yet undiagnosed. Early detection of neoplasia may allow a timely management and a reduction of mortality. However, the nature and extent of screening for hidden cancer is still debated. The purpose of this article is to review the usefulness of occult cancer screening in patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism.