Superior vena cava syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To provide a review of the treatment and nursing management of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS).


METHODS
Review articles, research studies, and book chapters.


CONCLUSIONS
SVCS is primarily associated with small cell lung cancer. It usually has a chronic, insidious onset, but may present acutely with laryngeal or cerebral edema. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, thrombolysis, and interventional radiology have provided effective treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Management of the patient with SVCS includes recognition of high-risk patients and initial symptomatology, accurate assessments, appropriate therapies, psychosocial support, and education regarding recurrent SVCS.
Haapoja
I S
IS
Section of Medical Oncology, Rush Cancer Institute, Rush Presbyterian St Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
Blendowski
C
C
D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D018276:Carcinoma, Medullary / Q000150:complications* / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000150:complications*; D009376:Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*