Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Superior Vena Cava Syndrome occurs when the superior vena cava—a large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms, and upper body back to the heart—becomes compressed or obstructed. In the context of thoracic oncology, this is often due to cancer, such as lung cancer, which can grow near the vein or cause swelling in nearby tissues. Symptoms may include swelling in the face and neck, shortness of breath, or a feeling of fullness in the head. It’s a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to relieve the blockage and restore normal blood flow.