The risk of cancer in primary care patients with thrombocytosis: A retrospective observational study within a family medicine setting in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: An elevated platelet count, or thrombocytosis, is a risk factor for cancer. This study will highlight the importance of primary health care providers' awareness of the potential for malignancy in patients with thrombocytosis. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of cancer among patients aged above 40 years with elevated platelet counts. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to analyze the prevalence of cancer among patients aged above 40 years at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) who had thrombocytosis and a platelet count above 450 × 109/L. A secondary objective was to examine whether primary care physicians were prompt in initiating investigation of these patients. This study's findings will help primary care physicians thoroughly investigate thrombocytosis and develop guidelines that can be applied in primary care settings. Materials and Methods: This study was an observational cohort study. The data used originated from the family medicine patient Records at KFSHRC. The data were collected from electronic records by searching all the patient consultations and laboratory results that were available. Results: In total, 338 patients aged above 40 years had a platelet count above 450 × 109/L. Of these patients, 68 were men (20%) and 270 were women (80%). Cancer was diagnosed within two years of thrombocytosis in 7.8% of patients (n = 26), of whom 8 were men and 18 were women. Conclusion: It is necessary to enhance primary health care professionals' awareness of the need to investigate the prevalence of cancer in patients with thrombocytosis.

Keywords

• cancer
• family medicine
• platelet counts
• thrombocytosis