2: Oncological Emergencies - SVC Syndrome Flashcards
What is SVC syndrome
Symptoms due to obstruction of SVC
What is SVC syndrome
Symptoms due to obstruction of SVC
What are 3 causes of SVC obstruction
- Cancer
- Direct invasion
- Thrombus
What 4 primary cancers cause SVC obstruction
NHL
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Thymoma
What cancers can cause SVC obstruction
Any cancer causes mediastinal lymphadenopathy
What are benign causes of SVC obstruction
Post-radiotherapy fibrosis Aspergillosis Sarcoidosis Goitre Aortic aneurysm
How does SVC syndrome present
Breathlessness
Swelling of the face: worse on lying down, bending forward
Cough
Headache - worse in morning
Why does SVC syndrome cause breathlessness
Due to mass obstructive trachea
What investigations are often ordered in SVC obstruction
CXR
CT Chest
Venogram
In acute setting, how is SVC obstruction managed
- Sit patient up
- oxygen if required
- IV dexamethasone
- Endovascular stenting
(Thrombolysis if due to thrombus)
What are 3 causes of SVC obstruction
- Cancer
- Direct invasion
- Thrombus
What 4 primary cancers cause SVC obstruction
NHL
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Thymoma
What cancers can cause SVC obstruction
Any cancer causes mediastinal lymphadenopathy
What are benign causes of SVC obstruction
Post-radiotherapy fibrosis Aspergillosis Sarcoidosis Goitre Aortic aneurysm
How does SVC syndrome present
Breathlessness
Swelling of the face: worse on lying down, bending forward
Cough
Headache - worse in morning
