Superior vena cava syndrome due to metastasis from urothelial cancer: a case report and literature review

ABSTRACT

Superior vena cava [SVC] syndrome is caused by compression or obstruction of the SVC. We report here in a case of SVC syndrome due to lymph node metastasis from urothelial cancer to the mediastinum and lung. The origin of metastasis was determined by computed tomography [CT]-guided biopsy of metastases. After radiotherapy to the mediastinum with glucocorticoid failed, anticancer pharmacotherapy including paclitaxel, gemicitabine, and cisplatin proved effective and SVC syndrome resolved. But patient died from cerebral bleeding from newer brain metastases 10 months later