Guide To Treating Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Watch And Wait

In minor cases of superior vena cava syndrome, it is not unusual for the initial treatment to be symptom relief combined with a watch and wait attitude. Although it is the side effect of some severe conditions, superior vena cava syndrome is rarely life-threatening in and of itself. Some patients find significant relief in a short time with the simple interventions of elevation and oxygen. For those with an underlying malignancy, basic treatment of symptoms may be palliative while they wait to see whether cancer treatments are effective. The outlook for patients with superior vena cava syndrome is very much dependent on the underlying cause. Some simple, non-invasive interventions can provide comfort and relief.