Guide To Treating Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
A lung cancer patient wakes up uncomfortably, their chest feeling a bit tight. Looking in the mirror, they see their face is puffy and swollen. They get up and begin to go about their day. Later, they notice the swelling has gone down. Perhaps it was an odd reaction to a new medication. But the next morning the swelling and tightness return. They go to their doctor and, after some testing, is diagnosed with superior vena cava syndrome. This syndrome describes a collection of symptoms that occur when blood flow through the superior vena cava is blocked by exterior pressure or interior blockage. Additional symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing and swelling in the arms and hands. This article will examine common treatments for the syndrome.