The superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is a clinical entity first described by William Hunter in 1757 in a patient with saccular aortic aneurysm. The SVCS is due to progressive obstruction of the superior vena cava by extrinsic compression or intrinsic thrombosis. This is a serious problem in clinical practice because it causes severe discomfort, is life-threatening to the patient, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment by the physician.