Incidence and pathogenesis of thrombosis in hematologic malignancies

Recent surveys have indicated that thromboembolic complications are at least as common in hematologic malignancies, if not more frequent, than in solid tumors. The pathogenesis of thrombosis is similar to that in solid tumors, but with additional factors unique in several forms of hematologic malignancies, as seen in acute promyelocytic leukemia, myeloma, and myeloproliferative disorders. Likewise, the factors contributing to bleeding are similar to those seen in solid tumors, with the exception of a higher frequency of thrombocytopenia.