Unlike deep vein thrombosis, the probability that superficial thrombophlebitis will cause a clot to break up and be transported in pieces to the lung is very low.

[1] There is usually a slow onset of a tender red area along the superficial veins on the skin.

[3] Phlebitis is typically caused by local trauma to a vein, usually from the insertion of an intravenous catheter.

[4] However, it can also occur due to a complication of connective tissue disorders such as lupus, or of pancreatic, breast, or ovarian cancers.

[5] Superficial phlebitis often presents as an early sign in thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease), a vasculitis that affects small and medium-sized arteries and veins in distal extremities often associated with cigarette smoking.