Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction is a relatively rare condition.
Most often it is caused by a cancer or a tumor in the mediastinum (the area of the chest under the breastbone and between the lungs).
The types of cancer that can lead to this condition include:
Breast cancer Lymphoma Metastatic lung cancer (lung cancer that spreads) Testicular cancer Thyroid cancer Thymic tumors
Superior vena cava obstruction can also be caused by noncancerous conditions that cause scarring. These conditions include:
Histoplasmosis infection Inflammation of a vein (thrombophlebitis) Lung infections (such as tuberculosis)
Other causes of superior vena cava obstruction include:
Aortic aneurysm Blood clots in the superior vena cava Constrictive pericarditis Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) Catheters placed in the large veins of the upper arm and neck may cause blood clots in the superior vena cava.
What causes Superior vena cava syndrome?
Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction is a relatively rare condition.
Most often it is caused by a cancer or a tumor in the mediastinum (the area of the chest under the breastbone and between the lungs).
The types of cancer that can lead to this condition include:
Breast cancer {{NAME}} lung cancer (lung cancer that spreads) Testicular cancer {{NAME}} cancer {{NAME}} tumors
Superior vena cava obstruction can also be caused by noncancerous conditions that cause scarring. These conditions include:
Histoplasmosis infection Inflammation of a vein (thrombophlebitis) Lung infections (such as tuberculosis)
Other causes of superior vena cava obstruction include:
Aortic aneurysm Blood clots in the superior vena cava Constrictive pericarditis Enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) Catheters placed in the large veins of the upper arm and neck may cause blood clots in the superior vena cava.