Axillary-subclavian vein occlusion in patients with lung neoplasms

Twelve patients with pulmonary neoplasms treated at the Fox Chase Cancer Center were found to have a syndrome of axillary-subclavian vein occlusion. Ten patients had non-small-cell lung carcinoma, one had small cell carcinoma, and one had mesothelioma. In eight patients, this vascular syndrome developed as a consequence of progressive or metastatic recurrent disease, while in four patients it presaged the appearance of the initial malignant disease. Axillary-subclavian vein occlusion should be easily differentiated from the superior vena cava syndrome. Treatment with anticoagulation therapy in addition to specific antitumor therapy may relieve symptoms and signs without altering the occlusion itself.