Key takeaways

  • People with lung cancer face a significantly higher risk of developing blood clots compared with many other cancera.
  • Other risk factors for blood clots include certain cancer treatments, older age, prolonged immobility, hormone therapy, and personal or family history of blood clots.
  • Blood clots in lung cancer are linked to reduced survival rates and higher mortality risk, making early detection and prompt treatment critical for improving outcomes.

Cancer greatly increases the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Both DVT and PE are potentially life-threatening. DVT develops in a deep vein, usually in the legs. PE occurs when a blood clot such as DVT breaks free and travels to the lungs.

The following sections outline everything to know about how blood clots relate to lung cancer.

Research shows that people at any stage of lung cancer are more likely to develop blood clots than those with many other types of cancer.

Experts believe this may be because cancer tumors damage tissues involved in blood clotting. In addition, certain cancer treatments may further increase the risk of a blood clot, including:

  • bevacizumab (Avastin)
  • cisplatin (Platinol)
  • tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox)

DVT is a potential complication in people with lung cancer that can lead to unfavorable outcomes. The rate of PE is about six times higher in people who have lung cancer compared to the general population, and it is associated with poor prognosis.

Additional risk factors for DVT or PE include:

  • having vein trauma from injury or surgery
  • sitting or lying down for a very long periods
  • using estrogen-based therapies, such as birth control or hormone replacement therapy
  • being pregnant or postpartum
  • having other health conditions, such as heart disease or inflammatory bowel disease
  • having a personal or family history of DVT or PE
  • aging
  • having overweight or obesity
  • having a catheter placed in a central vein

Understanding these risks can help support earlier detection and prevent potentially serious complications.

Having a blood clot that travels to the lungs, known as a PE, can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment greatly increases the likelihood of surviving a PE. Treatment typically focuses on preventing the clot from getting larger and reducing the risk of new clots forming while the body gradually breaks down and absorbs the existing clot.

Doctors will usually begin treatment with blood thinners (anticoagulants). These drugs do not dissolve an existing clot, but they can help prevent new clots from forming while the body reabsorbs the existing clot.

In more severe cases, thrombolytic therapy, or “clot busters,” may be used to help dissolve the clot. However, because this carries a risk of severe bleeding, it is typically reserved for life-threatening situations.

More serious blood clots may require hospitalization. In some situations, a doctor may recommend a procedure to break up or remove a clot that is large or has not responded to medication. A procedure may also be used to insert a device in a large vein to help prevent clots from traveling to the lungs or heart.

DVT is a serious type of blood clot that most often forms in the legs, though it can develop in other parts of the body. All people with cancer have an increased risk of DVT. However, people with lung cancer face a higher risk of developing both DVT and PE.

Treatments for DVT include:

  • blood thinners
  • compression stockings
  • thrombolytic therapy
  • a device that is inserted into the arteries to catch a clot before it reaches the lungs
  • a surgical procedure to remove the clot or expand the vein containing the DVT

Coughing up blood can be a symptom of PE. Other possible PE symptoms include:

  • shortness of breath that comes on suddenly
  • pain in the chest, especially when inhaling
  • lightheadedness, dizziness, or loss of consciousness
  • leg pain or swelling
  • pain in the back, neck, shoulder, or jaw
  • excessive sweat
  • clammy, discolored skin
  • fever
  • blue lips or nails

These symptoms can come on quickly and may be life-threatening. Anyone experiencing signs of PE should seek emergency medical care right away.

VTE in lung cancer is associated with a higher mortality risk and shorter overall survival.

A PE in particular is always a medical emergency. Prompt medical attention and continued treatment can help prevent death due to PE. Ongoing treatment can involve both lifestyle changes and medications such as blood thinners.

All situations are unique. A person with lung cancer and DVT or PE should talk with their doctor about their outlook.

Does lung cancer cause clots?

Having lung cancer or other types of cancer can increase the risk of developing blood clots. This can occur due to tissue damage that affects blood clotting, some cancer treatments, and other factors that cause blood clots.

What is the life expectancy with blood clots in the lungs?

A person’s outlook with blood clots in the lungs can depend on the size and location of the clots, the treatment type, and other health conditions a person may have. If a person does not receive treatment, PE can result in death. Treatment and lifestyle changes may help reduce the risk of a repeat event.

What is the prognosis for pulmonary embolism in lung cancer patients?

A person’s prognosis for PE and lung cancer can depend on many factors, including the cancer stage and the person’s age.

What happens in the final days of lung cancer?

In the final days of end stage lung cancer, a person may experience pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, confusion, sleepiness, and loss of appetite and thirst.

Is there a specific cause for a pulmonary embolism?

A PE happens when a blood clot develops in the lungs or when one develops in a deep vein and then breaks off and travels to the lungs. Blood clots can occur due to damaged veins, inflammation, cancer, and other causes.

What are the early warning signs of a pulmonary embolism?

A person with PE may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and pain when breathing deeply.

What happens after a pulmonary embolism diagnosis?

After diagnosing PE, a doctor may prescribe blood thinners or other medications. In some cases, a person may need a procedure to treat the clot.

Lung cancer and its treatments can increase the risk of developing a blood clot in the legs (DVT) that travels to the lungs (PE). Blood clots can impact overall prognosis and outlook with lung cancer, but prompt treatment can help significantly.