Superficial venous thrombosis


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Superficial venous thrombosis


A superficial venous thrombosis is a blood clot in a vein that is close to the surface of the skin. A superficial thrombosis usually forms a firm lump under the skin, although it becomes more ropelike as it gets larger and expands through the vein.

A superficial venous thrombosis is also called superficial thrombophlebitis, or simply phlebitis.

Blood clots in superficial veins usually are not serious. Home treatment is generally all that is needed unless the clots are very painful or uncomfortable.

Credits


Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD

- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD

- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD

- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

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Last updated: May 25, 2007
Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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