SVC obstruction

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Heart, section through the middle

Superior vena cava obstruction; Superior vena cava syndrome

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.

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

The throat could swell and block the airways.

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: 05/03/2006
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.