14) Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
The superior vena cava (SVC) is the major blood vessel that receives blood from the upper part of the body and drains directly into the heart (right atrium). As it passes next to the lymph nodes in the chest and apices (upper part) of the right lung, the lung tumors in the apical area (such as Pancoast tumors) can put pressure on it and leads to the accumulation of backflow of blood in the vein. This backflow of the blood causes swelling and cyanosis (bluish discoloration) in the neck, face, upper chest, and arms.
In severe cases, the SVC syndrome may also cause dizziness, headaches, migraines, and a change in the conscious level. While this syndrome develops gradually over time, in some cases it may become severe and life-threatening much earlier than expected and thus needs immediate medical attention to be treated right away.
