Fortunately, this is rare. Potential causes include indwelling catheters. Thrombolysis must be considered. Airway compromise is unusual, but may result from extrinsic compression by tumor mass to the SVC or the trachea. The prognosis for relief of SVCS symptoms is good with radiation therapy.
Symptoms usually decrease within one month of the onset of radiation therapy.
However, the ultimate prognosis is associated with the underlying malignancy itself. The prognosis for SVCS not associated with malignancy is excellent in that most of these causes are infectious and respond to appropriate antibiotic therapy. Symptoms may be relieved with radiation therapy. In patients in whom the diagnosis of lung cancer is not known, patients' sensations of arms swelling, facial fullness, etc may tend to be discounted. An excellent opportunity may exist to positively impact a patient's prognosis if the diagnosis of SVCS is entertained, and the underlying cause of cancer is considered.