Tumor-Associated Thrombocytosis

Clinical features of tumor-associated thromboocytosis:

(1) presence of a malignancy

(2) presence of thrombocytosis with the platelet count > 400,000 per µL

(3) exclusion of other causes for thrombocytosis (iron deficiency anemia, etc)

(4) elevation in one or more serum cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6)

The presence of tumor-associated thrombocytosis:

(1) tends to be seen with higher stage tumors (Stage III or IV)

(2) is associated with a worse overall survival

(3) is not associated with an increased tendency for thromboembolism