SVC obstruction

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Heart, section through the middle

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

SVC obstruction

Alternative Names:

Superior vena cava obstruction; Superior vena cava syndrome

Treatment:

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):

The outcome varies depending on the cause and the extent of obstruction.

Complications:

The throat could swell and block the airways.

Calling your health care provider:

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.

Review Date: 5/3/2006
Reviewed By: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.