Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is an uncommon complication of malignant disease caused by the obstruction of venous blood flow in the SVC.
When present, a diagnosis of lung cancer or lymphoma will be made in approximately 95% of cases. Although other malignant diseases are occasionally associated with SVC, its occurrence in patients with prostate cancer is rare. We present a case of a patient presenting with SVC obstruction who was subsequently diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma. The patient has been successfully treated with GnRH agonist. This case reflects the importance of a full clinical assessment and pathological confirmation of suspected tumour prior to treatment.
Written by:
Yun HD, Ershler WB. Are you the author?
Department of Medicine, Harbor Hospital Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Reference: BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Sep 3;2012. pii: bcr2012006480.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006480
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22948992
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