Which symptom is commonly associated with edema of the vocal cords or trachea in SVC syndrome?

Which symptom is commonly associated with edema of the vocal cords or trachea in SVC syndrome?

• A. Hoarseness
• B. Hematemesis
• C. Nausea
• D. Abdominal pain

Answer: (A)

Edema of the upper airway structures in SVC syndrome can involve the vocal cords, and when they are swollen, their vibration is impaired, leading to hoarseness. The venous congestion from an obstruction of the superior vena cava raises pressure in head and neck veins, causing edema that can affect the larynx and trachea. This makes voice changes a common symptom when the vocal cords are involved. Hematemesis, nausea, and abdominal pain are not typically linked to edema of the vocal apparatus or to upper airway involvement in SVC syndrome, so they don’t fit as well.

Edema of the upper airway structures in SVC syndrome can involve the vocal cords, and when they are swollen, their vibration is impaired, leading to hoarseness. The venous congestion from an obstruction of the superior vena cava raises pressure in head and neck veins, causing edema that can affect the larynx and trachea. This makes voice changes a common symptom when the vocal cords are involved. Hematemesis, nausea, and abdominal pain are not typically linked to edema of the vocal apparatus or to upper airway involvement in SVC syndrome, so they don’t fit as well.