What diagnosis is suggested by bilateral upper extremity and facial swelling?

Bilateral upper extremity and facial swelling are indicative of Superior Vena Cava (SVC) syndrome. This condition arises when there is obstruction of the SVC, which is primarily responsible for returning blood from the upper body to the heart. Various factors such as tumors (often lung cancer) or thrombosis can compress or invade the SVC, leading to the characteristic swelling in the face, neck, and arms.

The bilateral nature of the swelling is a key aspect, as SVC syndrome typically presents with edema in these areas due to the impaired venous drainage. Symptoms can also include distended neck veins and a sense of fullness in the head.

Other conditions like deep vein thrombosis, thromboangiitis obliterans, or chronic lymphatic obstruction can cause swelling, but they do not typically present with the combination of symptoms seen in SVC syndrome specifically affecting the upper extremities and face in this manner. Thus, the diagnosis of SVC syndrome aptly explains the patient’s symptoms.