Superior vena cava syndrome is the result of invasion or direct compression of the vena cava by tumour masses on the side of the right lung, lymph nodes and other structures in the mediastinum, or thrombosis within the vein.
It is usually caused by a neoplasm (lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), but can also be caused by a blood clot, infection, other types of neoplasm, immune system disorders and lymph node disease.
The main symptoms are shortness of breath, cough and swelling of the face, neck, upper body or arms.
Diagnosis involves a detailed medical history, a full physical examination, blood tests and tests of selected samples (secretions), imaging tests and more aggressive procedures.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying disease. The latter depends on the type of neoplasm, how far the disease has spread and the overall prognosis. Depending on the case, treatment may be medical and/or surgical.
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