Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Superior vena cava syndrome physical examination
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Common physical examination findings of superior vena cava syndrome include the pemberton’s sign, facial swelling, and jugular venous distension.
Physical Examination
Physical Examination
Appearance of the Patient
- Well-appearing in early stages of the cancer[1]
- Cachectic in late stages of the cancer[2]
- Pemberton’s sign: development of suffusion, plethora, or duskiness upon elevation of the arms above the head in patients with SVC syndrome
Vital Signs
Skin
- Reddish mucus membranes (inside the nose, mouth, and other places)
- Reddish color to the skin
HEENT
- Facial tenderness
- Swelling of the face
- Facial flushing/redness face or cheeks
- Drooping eyelid
- Swelling around the eye
- Swelling of the whites of the eyes
Neck
Lungs
- Asymmetric chest expansion
- Wheezing may be present
Extremities
- Edema of the upper extremities
References
References
- ↑ Uberoi R (2006). “Quality assurance guidelines for superior vena cava stenting in malignant disease”. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 29 (3): 319–22. doi:10.1007/s00270-005-0284-9. PMID 16502166.
- ↑ Superior Vena Cava Syndrome. Canadian Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/managing-side-effects/superior-vena-cava-syndrome/?region=bc Accessed on January 13, 2016
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Maria Fernanda Villarreal, M.D. [2]