Metastatic carcinoma of the prostate presenting as a superior vena cava syndrome.

A 75-year-old patient presented with a superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) lasting 3 years. A prostatic carcinoma was found and a supraclavicular lymph node biopsy specimen disclosed metastasis of the prostatic carcinoma. Antiandrogen and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue therapy produced a marked improvement. Prostatic carcinoma, although a very rare cause, must be considered in the diagnosis of cases of SVCS with a protracted course, since it is a treatable disease.