A 59-year-old man who is a heavy smoker presents with cough, shortness of breath, and a sensation of head fullness. Physical examination is notable for cervical venous distention and facial edema. A chest radiograph shows a widened superior mediastinum. What is the most appropriate initial intervention for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms and radiographic findings suggest Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS), which is often caused by malignancy in the chest, such as lung cancer, especially in heavy smokers. The most appropriate initial intervention is a CT of the chest to assess the extent of the disease and consultation with a pulmonologist and a thoracic surgeon for a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management.

A 59-Year-Old Man Who Is a Heavy Smoker Presents with Cough