Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Alternative names Return to top
Superior vena cava obstruction; Superior vena cava syndromeDefinition Return to top
SVC obstruction is a narrowing or obstruction of the superior vena cava -- the major vein draining the upper body.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction is a relatively rare condition. Most often it is caused by one of several cancers that can be found in the mediastinum (the area of the chest under the breastbone and between the lungs).
These include lymphomas, cancer of the lung with extension into the mediastinum, breast cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and thymic tumors. Superior vena cava obstruction can also be caused by noncancerous conditions that cause chronic fibrosis (scarring).
These include lung infections, such as tuberculosis, histoplasmosis infection, and thrombophlebitis (particularly extension of thrombophlebitis of superficial veins or the subclavian vein). Other causes of superior vena cava obstruction include aortic aneurysm, constrictive pericarditis, and goiter.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
An examination may show dilated cutaneous (skin) veins of the face, neck, and upper chest. Blood pressure is often high in the arms and low in the legs.
A bronchoscopy may be performed if lung cancer is suspected.
Obstruction of the SVC may show on:
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment Return to top
The goal of treatment is relief of the obstruction.
Diuretics may be used to relieve swelling.
The cause must be identified and treated. This may include radiation, chemotherapy, surgical removal of tumors, or other treatment. Surgery to bypass the obstruction is rarely performed. Placement of a stent to open up the SVC is available at some medical centers.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
The outcome varies depending on the cause and the extent of obstruction.Complications Return to top
The throat could swell and block the airways.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if a lung tumor is present and symptoms indicate SVC obstruction may be present. Complications are serious and can sometimes be fatal.Prevention Return to top
Prompt treatment of causative disorders may reduce the risk of development of SVC obstruction. Update Date: 5/4/2004 Updated by: Stephen Grund, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |