Cancer Complications: Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Question 1

What is the complication that can occur due to tumor compression/obstruction?

Answer 1

Superior vena cava syndrome

Question 2

With Superior Vena Cava Syndrome:

There is impaired….?

Answer 2

venous drainage from head, neck, arms, upper trunk

Question 3

Symptoms of vena cava syndrome

lots, name as many as you can

Answer 3

-Persistent cough and SOB
-Hoarseness
-Stroke’s sign
-Fatigue, chest pain, -HA, dizziness
-Swelling of face, neck, arms or visible widening (dilation) of neck veins
-Swelling around eye socket (periorbital)
Reddish face or cheeks, palms, mucous membranes
-Redness changing to blueness later
-Vision changes

Question 4

Symptoms of vena cava syndrome:

Respiratory?

Answer 4

cough, hoarseness, and SOB

Question 5

Symptoms of vena cava syndrome

cardio:

Answer 5

Fatigue, chest pain, HA, dizziness

Question 6

Symptoms of vena cava syndrome

Where is there swelling?

Answer 6

Swelling of face, neck, arms or visible widening (dilation) of neck veins
Swelling around eye socket (periorbital)

Question 7

Symptoms of vena cava syndrome

skin?

Answer 7

• reddish face and cheeks
• reddish palms
• reddish mucous membranes

**redness will change to blueness later

Question 8

Symptoms of vena cava syndrome

Neuro

Answer 8

• vision changes

- decreased alertness

Question 9

Management of Vena cava syndrome?

Answer 9

• metal stent in vena cava
• elevated HOB
• Oxygen
• Diuretics
• Steroid therapy

Question 10

T or F: radiation can be used for vena cava syndrome?

Answer 10

T

-high dose radiation