Abstract
IntroductionLung cancer is now considered the most common cause of death among cancer patients. Although target biological regimens have emerged in recent years for non-small cell lung carcinoma, the survival and quality of life of patients with this condition still remain low. The five-year survival rate for all stages of lung cancer is 17% or less.Case presentationWe describe the case of a 53-year-old Caucasian woman who was diagnosed with advanced stage IIIa (T2aN2M0) non-small cell lung carcinoma (adenocarcinoma) and underwent a complete left upper lobectomy three years ago. After two and a half years of follow-up, she suddenly presented with facial edema and venous distension and was immediately treated for superior vena cava syndrome. Because of a diagnostic check, a major clot was detected in the right subclavian vein. Our patient was informed about treatment options, and she was taken to the catheterization laboratory for percutaneous stenting of the superior vena cava to restore superior vena cava patency.ConclusionLung cancer has a vast number of complications. Superior vena cava syndrome and thrombosis should be considered upon the presentation of a patient with obstructive symptoms. In this case report, even though we expected the clot to be on the side of the former lesion, it was present on the opposite side. Treatment should also start immediately in these patients with clinical suspicion of thrombosis to avoid further complications, even in cases with a differential diagnosis problem. Finally, although patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma have a high incidence of thromboembolic events, anticoagulant treatment is given only as maintenance therapy after a first event occurs.
Highlights
Lung cancer is considered the most common cause of death among cancer patients
Superior vena cava syndrome and thrombosis should be considered upon the presentation of a patient with obstructive symptoms
We present the case of a patient with upper left lobe lung disease and cancer-related thrombosis of the right subclavicular vein that led to Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) after surgical resection
Summary
Lung cancer is a well-known predisposing factor for thrombosis. Central venous thrombosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of a patient with symptoms that could be attributed to venous obstruction. The high response rates, quickness of effect and safety make this palliative treatment a useful tool and a candidate for being the potential standard in the management of SVC obstruction. It has not yet been established whether cancer patients without locally recurrent disease should receive anticoagulant therapy. The risk of deep venous thrombosis is low in cancer patients without additional risk factors. Author details 1University Pulmonary Department, Oncology Unit, “G Papanikolaou” Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece. Authors’ contributions PZ was responsible for the medical care of the patient and was a contributor in writing the manuscript. KZ is the head of the department and responsible for the patient’s medical care. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call