Advanced mesothelioma progression can lead to which complication?

Advanced mesothelioma progression can lead to which complication?

• A. SVC syndrome
• B. Myocardial infarction
• C. Bowel obstruction
• D. Aortic dissection

Answer: (A)

Advanced mesothelioma that grows into the mediastinum can press on the superior vena cava, leading to obstruction of venous return from the head, neck, and upper extremities. This creates the classic signs of superior vena cava syndrome: facial swelling and plethora, distended neck and chest veins, upper-body edema, and headaches or dyspnea from increased venous pressure. The tumor’s central thoracic location makes SVC compression a common complication as disease advances. Other options reflect processes that aren’t directly caused by thoracic tumor growth: myocardial infarction arises from coronary artery blockage, bowel obstruction from abdominal pathology, and aortic dissection from a tear in the aorta.

Advanced mesothelioma that grows into the mediastinum can press on the superior vena cava, leading to obstruction of venous return from the head, neck, and upper extremities. This creates the classic signs of superior vena cava syndrome: facial swelling and plethora, distended neck and chest veins, upper-body edema, and headaches or dyspnea from increased venous pressure. The tumor’s central thoracic location makes SVC compression a common complication as disease advances. Other options reflect processes that aren’t directly caused by thoracic tumor growth: myocardial infarction arises from coronary artery blockage, bowel obstruction from abdominal pathology, and aortic dissection from a tear in the aorta.