Answer to Let Science Lead the Way
Correct answer is E, 5. The left subclavian vein is just deep to the left clavicle. Subclavian vein thrombosis (SCVT) is a condition where a blood clot forms in the subclavian vein and can occur from multiple etiologies, one of which has been described as and metastasis from ovarian cancer. It is a potentially life-threatening pathology if not treated promptly. BRAC1 and BRAC2 carriers are more prone to breast and ovarian cancers. Given that the wife has not been allowed to visit a clinician for some time, she may be suffering from metastasis of both her breast and ovarian cancers. However, this is only an assumption at this time. Pathology has yet to render a diagnosis in this case as to whether the palpated masses are indeed cancers.
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Answer to this question is based on material presented in lectures 13 of the Thorax Lecture Series.
= Right brachiocephalic v.
= Superior vena cava
= Left brachiocephalic v.
= Internal jugular v.
= Left subclavian v.