Haematology: superior vena cava syndrome: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Haematology: superior vena cava syndrome

Sample item

A smoker has facial swelling, distended neck veins and dilated chest wall collaterals with a mediastinal mass. Which is the correct approach?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Establish tissue diagnosis and give radiotherapy or stenting

SVC syndrome results from obstruction by lung cancer or lymphoma. Management includes elevating the head, obtaining tissue diagnosis if stable, and radiotherapy, chemotherapy or endovascular stenting for relief. Stridor or cerebral oedema makes it an emergency.

Option by option

  • A. Diuretics only

    Diuretics give little relief.

  • B. Establish tissue diagnosis and give radiotherapy or stenting (correct)

    Correct. Diagnosis and relief of obstruction are required.

  • C. Observation

    Observation delays treatment.

  • D. Immediate anticoagulation with warfarin

    Warfarin does not relieve a malignant obstruction.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is B, Establish tissue diagnosis and give radiotherapy or stenting. SVC syndrome results from obstruction by lung cancer or lymphoma.

Why is "Diuretics only" not the answer?

Diuretics give little relief.

Why is "Observation" not the answer?

Observation delays treatment.

Why is "Immediate anticoagulation with warfarin" not the answer?

Warfarin does not relieve a malignant obstruction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Haematology: superior vena cava syndrome in General Medicine. Management includes elevating the head, obtaining tissue diagnosis if stable, and radiotherapy, chemotherapy or endovascular stenting for relief. Stridor or cerebral oedema makes it an emergency.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Haematology: superior vena cava syndrome?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.