Metastatic Melanoma Causing Superior Vena Cava (SVC) Syndrome: A Case Report of a 65-Year-Old Male With a History of Multiple Myeloma and Melanoma

TL;DR

A 65-year-old man with a history of cancer developed a rare condition called SVC syndrome caused by metastatic melanoma.

Contribution

This case report highlights the rare occurrence of SVC syndrome caused by metastatic melanoma and emphasizes the need for tailored diagnostic approaches.

Findings

Melanoma causing SVC syndrome is rare compared to other cancers like lung cancer.

The case required a second biopsy to confirm the diagnosis due to its unusual presentation.

The report adds to the limited medical literature on melanoma-induced SVC syndrome.

Abstract

A 65-year-old male with a history of multiple myeloma and melanoma presented to the hospital with shortness of breath and lightheadedness. He was subsequently diagnosed with mild superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome due to a metastatic melanoma mediastinal mass. While melanoma frequently metastasizes to the lungs, the occurrence of SVC syndrome resulting from metastatic melanoma is exceedingly rare compared to other malignancies like lung cancer. Consequently, data on the incidence or prevalence of SVC syndrome caused by metastatic melanoma are sparse and variable. This case particularly underscores the rarity of melanoma causing SVC syndrome, as evidenced by the oncology team's request to perform a second biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This case also highlights the need for a tailored diagnostic and management approach, providing valuable insights into the diverse presentations of melanoma and enriching the medical literature on this subject.

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