An unusual cause of superior vena cava obstruction

Superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction is commonly seen in patients with intrathoracic malignancies. Most cases are due to extrinsic compression by tumour masses. We present the case history of a man with SVC obstruction due instead to an intraluminal tumour which turned out to be adenocarcinoma of an unknown primary. A 54 year old chronic smoker presented with a 2 week history of progressive facial swelling and dyspnoea. Physical examination revealed signs of SVC obstruction. A CT scan of the thorax …