What makes up the superior vena cava

The lymph nodes can get larger and press on or block the vein. Cancer can cause a blood clot in the vein. A pacemaker wire or a catheter in the vein could also cause a clot.

A catheter is a flexible tube that lets your health care team give you fluids or take them out. The symptoms of SVCS usually develop slowly. SVCS can cause serious breathing problems and is an emergency, but most people do well with treatment. Problems with one side of your face. These include a sagging eyelid, no sweat, and a small pupil of the eye on that side. These symptoms together are called Horner's syndrome.

SVCS may develop quickly and block your breathing completely. If so, you might need a machine to help you breathe until doctors treat the blockage. It is more common for SVCS to develop slowly. If this happens, your other veins may get larger to carry extra blood and you may experience milder symptoms.

CT scan, also called computed tomography. MRI, also called magnetic resonance imaging. Your chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer can also help treat SVCS. Other treatments that can help include:.

SVCS is rare in children, but it can be life threatening. If your child has signs of SVCS, it is important to call the doctor right away. Introduction to Grants Process. NCI Grant Policies. Legal Requirements. Step 3: Peer Review and Funding Outcomes. Manage Your Award. Grants Management Contacts. Prior Approvals. Annual Reporting and Auditing. Transfer of a Grant. Grant Closeout. Cancer Training at NCI. Resources for Trainees. Funding for Cancer Training.

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Blood vessels. Updated May 12, National Cancer Institute. Introduction to the cardiovascular system. Teach Me Anatomy. The superior vena cava.

Updated October 9, Appraisal of the surface anatomy of the Thorax in an adolescent population. Clin Anat. Bell, D. Valveless vein. World Health Organization. Congenital anomalies. Updated December 1, Saha S. Persistent left superior vena cava - considerations in fetal, pediatric and adult populations.

Australasian Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. High prevalence rate of left superior vena cava determined by echocardiography in patients with congenital heart disease in Saudi Arabia. Libyan Journal of Medicine. Superior vena cava. Updated April Your Privacy Rights.

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