Open AccessSuperior vena cava syndrome: A radiation oncologist's perspective
Author(s) -
Kaustav Talapatra,
Soumadip Panda,
Sandeep Goyle,
Kallol Bhadra,
Rajesh Mistry
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of cancer research and therapeutics/journal of cancer research and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.475
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 0973-1482
pISSN - 1998-4138
DOI - 10.4103/0973-1482.177503
Subject(s) - superior vena cava syndrome , medicine , superior vena cava , radiation oncologist , vena cava , radiology , intensive care medicine , radiation therapy
Superior vena cava syndrome is referred to as a constellation of symptoms and signs caused by obstruction of superior vena cava. It can occur due to both benign and malignant causes with the latter being the predominant. There is a paradigm shift in the approach to manage this condition. It is no longer considered a medical emergency and histological diagnosis is necessary before treatment. This article reviews the causes, symptoms, pathophysiology, and overall management policy which have changed over decades.