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Suggest Treatment For Enlarged Veins In Arms ,chest And Hands

Posted on Mon, 12 Jan 2015

Question: I have noticed that my veins, particularly in my arms, chest and hands have become very visable and enlarges, some can be felt by just touching the area. I cannot bear to have my blood pressure taken on my left arm and this arm is swollen.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Venous obstruction

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

It seems that you have superior vena caval (SVC)obstruction which has caused distension of viens in the chest (collateral veins communicating with veins of Inferior vena cava sytems draining blood from your lower part of body),arms and hands.
You need to undergo chest x-ray as the initial investigation and if possible upload a photo showing neck,upper part of chest only.
Taking blood pressure(BP) on swollen arm due to venous obstruction will further increase venous congestion on inflating BP cuff and will increase the discomfort and also it will not be accurate measurement.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (10 hours later)

Thank you for your response. I sent follow-up info that I am not sure was received so I am trying again. I have gained 100 pounds in the past year and I have never been more than 10 pounds overweight in my life. I have swelling that shifts with the position I am in. My feet, or just one foot will swell as if I was injured. My upper arms, chest, and breasts swell when I sleep. I can feel the swelling move as I change positions. Even my scalp and neck swells. My face is often unrecognizable. In conjunction I have unbearable dry, peeling skin, dry eyes, mouth etc.. The hair has stopped growing under my arms and on my legs. It is hard to relate this myriad of symptoms to my Dr..

Is there a type of specialist I should see with a higher likelihood of a diagnosis. I do not know if this is relevant but I have Addison's disease and hypo-thyroid.
Thanking you again.

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Re visit your Endocrinologist and an Oncologist.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

Considering your age and myriad of symptoms like swelling whole body which shifts from lower part to your upper part including face and gain of weight, it seems you have fluid retention, might be due to adrenocortical hormone replacement.

However you have a possibility of SVC syndrome and one of your doctor advised mammography, you need to re-visit your endocrinologist and subsequently an oncologist.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari