Mediastinal seminoma presenting with superior vena cava syndrome

Amanda Wanous, Ian R. McPhail, J. Fernando Quevedo, Nicole P. Sandhu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present a rare cause of superior vena cava syndrome (SVC) in a previously healthy male aged 31 years. Malignancy was suspected due to unintentional weight loss and childhood exposure to radioactive fallout from a nuclear facility accident. A very large anterior mediastinal mass was identified and demonstrated to be an extragonadal seminoma. Extragonadal germ cell tumours are rare tumours with a high potential for cardiovascular, pulmonary and vascular sequelae. Studies have documented an increased risk of developing seminoma in patients with radioactive exposure. Chemotherapy was initiated, during which the patient experienced progressive and new symptoms, found to be due to extensive thromboembolic disease, which responded well to anticoagulation. Seventy-two months after completing chemotherapy, without need for surgical management, he remains free of the disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberbcr-2016-218282
JournalBMJ case reports
Volume2017
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017

Keywords

  • cancer - see oncology
  • cancer intervention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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