Superior vena cava syndrome
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS), pronounced as /sʊˈpɪərɪər ˈviːnə ˈkævə sɪnˈdroʊm/, is a group of symptoms caused by obstruction of the superior vena cava, which is the second largest vein in the human body. The term originates from the Latin words 'superior' meaning 'above', 'vena' meaning 'vein', 'cava' meaning 'hollow', and the Greek word 'syndrome' meaning 'concurrence of symptoms'.
Symptoms
Symptoms of SVCS include swelling (edema) and redness (erythema) of the face, neck, and upper chest, difficulty breathing, and cough. Other symptoms may include dizziness, headache, and impaired vision.
Causes
The most common cause of SVCS is cancer, particularly lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Other causes can include thrombosis, infection, and certain autoimmune diseases.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of SVCS is typically made based on the patient's symptoms and medical history. Imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause of the obstruction.
Treatment
Treatment for SVCS depends on the underlying cause of the obstruction. This may include chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer, anticoagulant therapy for thrombosis, or surgery to remove the obstruction.
Prognosis
The prognosis for SVCS varies depending on the underlying cause and the patient's overall health. In general, the prognosis is better for patients with non-malignant causes of SVCS.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Superior vena cava syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Superior vena cava syndrome
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