A patient with lung cancer develops facial edema and distention of veins. What is likely included in the treatment plan?

In cases where a patient with lung cancer exhibits facial edema and distention of veins, these symptoms may indicate a potential obstruction of blood flow, possibly due to superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS). In such scenarios, radiation therapy can be an effective treatment option, particularly if the cause of the obstruction is a tumor pressing against the superior vena cava. Radiation can help reduce the size of the tumor, alleviate the obstruction, and manage associated symptoms.

Radiation therapy is often a key component in the management of symptoms related to malignancies, as it targets and shrinks tumors, leading to improvement in venous return and a decrease in edema. Therefore, preparing the patient for radiation therapy aligns well with addressing the urgent symptoms presented.

While immediate surgery might seem like a viable option, it is not always the first step in managing symptomatic SVCS due to the risks involved. Similarly, while reassessing pain management is essential for overall patient comfort, it does not directly address the vascular symptoms caused by the tumor's presence. Increasing fluid intake is generally not advisable in cases of edema due to possible fluid overload, which can exacerbate the person's condition.