Superior vena cava syndrome natural history, complications and prognosis

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Superior Vena Cava Syndrome from Other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Staging
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Radiation Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Superior vena cava syndrome natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Superior vena cava syndrome natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Superior vena cava syndrome natural history, complications and prognosis
CDC on Superior vena cava syndrome natural history, complications and prognosis
Superior vena cava syndrome natural history, complications and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Superior vena cava syndrome natural history, complications and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Superior vena cava syndrome
Risk calculators and risk factors for Superior vena cava syndrome natural history, complications and prognosis

Please help WikiDoc by adding more content here. It's easy! Click here to learn about editing.

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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.