Question

A 64-year-old man presents with a headache and cough for the last one week. Physical exam shows facial edema, facial plethora, and prominent venous distention of the chest. History is significant for lung cancer. What is the most likely diagnosis?

1) Carcinoid syndrome
2) Horner syndrome
3) Pancoast tumor
4) Superior vena cava syndrome

Answer 1

The most likely diagnosis is Superior vena cava syndrome.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most likely diagnosis for a 64-year-old man with a headache, cough, facial edema, facial plethora, prominent venous distention of the chest, and a history of lung cancer is Superior vena cava syndrome. Superior vena cava syndrome occurs when there is obstruction of blood flow through the superior vena cava, usually due to a tumor. In this case, the lung cancer is causing compression of the superior vena cava, leading to the symptoms described.