Trousseau sign of malignancy

Trousseau Sign of Malignancy

File:Trousseau sign of malignancy.jpg

Illustration of Trousseau Sign of Malignancy

The Trousseau Sign of Malignancy is a medical phenomenon named after the French physician Armand Trousseau. It is a clinical sign that is often associated with certain types of cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer and lung cancer.

Definition

The Trousseau Sign of Malignancy is characterized by the presence of migratory thrombophlebitis, a condition where blood clots form and cause inflammation in one or more veins. This sign is often observed in patients with malignancies, hence its name.

Pathophysiology

The underlying mechanism of the Trousseau Sign of Malignancy involves the release of tissue factor and cancer procoagulant by malignant cells. These substances trigger the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of blood clots. The clots can then migrate to different parts of the body, causing inflammation and other complications.

Clinical Significance

The Trousseau Sign of Malignancy is a significant clinical finding as it can be an early indication of an undiagnosed malignancy. It is particularly associated with mucin-producing adenocarcinomas, such as those of the pancreas and lung.

Diagnosis and Management

The diagnosis of Trousseau Sign of Malignancy is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and physical examination. Management typically involves treating the underlying malignancy and addressing the thrombophlebitis with anticoagulant therapy.

See Also

• Trousseau's syndrome
• Hypercoagulability in malignancy
• Paraneoplastic syndromes