Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is an uncommon condition resulting from extrinsic compression or intraluminal blockade of the superior vena cava. The increased upper body venous pressure results in distended subcutaneous vessels and oedema of the head, neck and arms. SVCS can be a medical emergency if associated with laryngeal or cerebral oedema. The most common SVCS aetiologies are intrathoracic malignancies, accounting for 60 to 86% of cases [1–3].