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Superior vena cava obstruction — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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HardLung CancerSuperior vena cava obstructionSCE Respiratory

A 70-year-old man with squamous lung cancer develops stridor, facial swelling and distended chest wall veins. CT shows superior vena cava compression and tracheal narrowing. He is distressed but haemodynamically stable. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: B — Urgent airway and oncology assessment with consideration of endovascular stenting

SVCO with stridor and tracheal narrowing is an oncological and airway emergency requiring urgent specialist assessment, often including endovascular stenting for rapid relief. Antibiotics and delayed imaging would miss a time-critical complication. Diuretics and pleurodesis do not relieve central venous and airway obstruction.

Reference: NICE NG122; BTS emergency oncology guidance