Hemostatic alterations are unrelated to the stage of tumor in untreated malignant melanoma and breast carcinoma

A study of hemostatic variables was carried out in 80 untreated patients with breast adenocarcinoma or malignant melanoma, chosen as examples of tumors that can be accurately staged for localization or spread. The most marked abnormalities were high levels of clotting factors V and VIII, plasminogen, von Willebrand factor and fibrogen-fibrin degradation products. These abnormalities occurred in both types of tumors, albeit slightly more markedly in melanomas, and were also present in localized tumors. Our data indicate that in tumors, abnormalities of the hemostatic system are an early phenomenon unrelated to the presence of widespread malignancy.