Superior vena cava syndrome natural history, complications and prognosis
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Natural History
- In the past, SVC syndrome was a medical emergency and empiric radiation was given to shrink the tumor. With the advent of better medical therapy for some lung cancers and lymphoma and the low morbidity associated with diagnostic procedures, this approach has fallen out of favor
Complications
- The throat could become blocked, which can block the airways.
- Increased pressure may develop in the brain, leading to changed levels of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, or vision changes.
Prognosis
- The outcome varies depending on the cause and the amount of blockage.
- SVCS caused by a tumor is a sign that the tumor has spread, and it indicates a poorer long-term outlook.
- Cancer patients diagnosed with SVCS do not die of the syndrome itself but rather from the extent of their underlying disease.