ABSTRACT
The study of coagulation abnormalities in 55 cases of biopsy proven malignancies (21 cases of carcinoma cervix, 20 cases of carcinoma breast, and 14 cases of carcinoma lung) was undertaken at cancer ward of Yangon General Hospital. Tests included whole blood coagulation time, Quick's prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, estimation of fibrinogen and FDP level and platelet count. Ninety-six per cent of these patients had one or more coagulation abnormalities. the commonest abnormalities were elevated fibrin degradation products and abnormal prothrombin time. Compared to thrombocytopenia the coagulation abnormalities were more commonly found in this study. the data illustrated that subclinical coagulopathy is relatively frequent in patients with malignancy. These coagulation disorders were not related to liver metastasis nor cancer therapy. there was no significant difference of abnormal coagulation tests results between different malignancies that have been studied. In relation to DIC, these patients were considered to be in a compensated state. Platelet count, thrombin time test, estimation of fibrinogen and FDP level are the most important coagulation tests for eveluating DIC. These tests are suggested to be done in all cancer patients for early detection of subclinical coagulopathy and for prevention of undesirable consequences of bleeding.