Group+One-SVC+Syndrome

Group One - Oncologic Emergencies Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
**Pathophysiology:** **Superior vena cava syndrome** (SVCS) or **superior vena cava obstruction** (SVCO) is caused by gradual compression/obstruction of the  superior vena cava vein by disease, growth or malignancies of any of the structures which surround it. However presently in 90% of the cases, this syndrome is associated with malignancy and in 80% of these cases, bronchogenic carcinoma is the cause. Occurrence of symptoms is gradual and therefore it is found that the diagnosis is often delayed till symptoms become severe due to significant obstruction. The SVC is particularly susceptible to compression because it is thin-walled, has low pressure of blood flowing through it and rigid structures surrounding it. The most common cause is now bronchogenic carcinoma and 15% of the cases are cased by lymphoma. (1,2)

**Symptoms: ** Swelling around the eyes, face, neck, trunk and arms SOB Decreased alterness Dizziness Fainting Headache Reddish Palms, face, cheeks, mucus membranes Vision Changes "fullness" of the head or ear

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Interventions and Drug Therapy:** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Primary nursing intervention: picking up on the symptoms early! <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Radiation and chemotherapy if a tumor is the cause <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Surgery to remove the tumor or a stent may be used in some cases <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Diuretics or steroids may be used to relieve swelling <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Infections are treated with appropriate antibiotics <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Thrombosis are treated with thrombolytic drugs

**Journal Articles** Samphao S., Eremin J.M. & Eremin O. [2010] //European Journal of Cancer Care 19, 707-713// **Oncological emergencies: clinical importance and principles of management** []

**Websites/Resources** National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health [] BMJ Evidence Centre [] University of Massachusetts Medical School. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Sejal Patel []

**References** **1-** [] 2- []

Heller, MD, MHA, Virginia Mason Medical Center. Seattle, Washington, Jacob L., and David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. "SVC Obstruction." //PubMed Health//. National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 23 May 2011. Web. 2012. < [|http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov] >. SAMPHAO S, EREMIN J, EREMIN O. Oncological emergencies: clinical importance and principles of management. //European Journal of Cancer Care// [serial online]. November 2010; 19(6):707-713. Available from: Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Ipswich, MA. Accessed January 18, 2012.