Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Which symptom is common in patients with superior vena cava syndrome related to lung cancer?

1. Persistent cough

2. Loss of appetite

3. Central chest pain

4. Loss of voice

The correct answer is: Central chest pain

In patients with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, particularly those related to lung cancer, central chest pain is a common symptom. This syndrome occurs when the superior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, and upper body back to the heart, becomes obstructed. The obstruction can lead to increased venous pressure in the head and upper body, causing venous distension and potential ischemia due to altered blood flow. Central chest pain can result from the buildup of pressure in the venous system affecting structures around the chest cavity, particularly as lung tumors may impinge upon vascular structures. In contrast, other symptoms such as persistent cough, loss of appetite, and loss of voice can occur in various contexts in lung cancer patients but are not specifically indicative of SVC syndrome. Persistent cough, while common in lung cancer, does not directly relate to SVC compression. Loss of appetite is a more general symptom associated with malignancies due to metabolic changes and may not be specifically linked to SVC obstruction. Similarly, loss of voice might occur if a tumor affects the laryngeal nerves, but it is not a hallmark symptom of SVC syndrome. Understanding the specific presentations of SVC syndrome is crucial for effective diagnosis and