The condition often affects people with lung cancer but may also have other causes.
This article discusses superior vena cava syndrome and its symptoms and treatment.
What Is Superior Vena Cava Syndrome?
Troels Graugaard / Vetta / Getty Images
SVC syndrome is a complication that occurs in 2% to 4% of people living withlung cancer.
Superior vena cava syndrome happens when there is pressure on the superior vena cava or it is partially blocked.
This causes reduced blood flow to the heart and increased pressure in the veins and face.
The condition can also affect people with other types of cancer, blood clots, and infections.
Sometimes other nearby blood vessels, called collateral blood vessels, compensate for the accumulation of blood.
This is more likely if the SVC is only partially blocked.
This compensation can slow down the emergence of symptoms.
When this happens it is considered acancer-related emergency.
What is the life expectancy of someone with superior vena cava syndrome?
What Is the Most Common Cause of Obstruction of the Superior Vena Cava?
Cancers such as testicular cancer, thymus cancer, and thyroid cancer may also lead to the syndrome.
Diagnosis
Your physical examination may show obvious swelling if you have SVC syndrome.
The long-term treatment of SVC syndrome depends on the cause.
With lymphomas, treatments such as monoclonal antibodies may be used.
With SVC syndrome due to metastases, treatment usually involves treating the primary cancer.
Blood thinners may be used to prevent clotting.
In rare cases, surgery to bypass the obstruction may be needed.
Summary
Superior vena cava syndrome is a condition that sometimes affects people with lung cancer.
When symptoms come on suddenly the condition is considered a medical emergency.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Drews RE, Rabkin DM.Malignancy-related superior vena cava syndrome.
Seligson M.Superior vena cava syndrome.
Cedars Sinai.Superior vena cava syndrome.
Medscape.Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS).
National Cancer Institute.Cardiopulmonary syndromes (PDQ)health professional version.
