Chest Wall Veins Specialist

What causes chest wall veins?

While in most cases, visible veins appear on your skin because of weakness in the valves that help keep blood moving back to your heart, chest wall veins are often caused by superior vena cava syndrome. 

The superior vena cava is the primary vein that carries blood from your upper body back to your heart. The syndrome develops when your superior vena cava is blocked or compressed, which restricts blood flow. In addition to developing visible veins on your chest, you might also experience breathing problems, lightheadedness, and swelling in your upper body. 

Superior vena cava syndrome is often due to a tumor or a blood clot that blocks your vein. Some of the other causes could include breast cancer, thyroid cancer, esophageal cancer, and chest infections.

When should I talk to a doctor about chest wall veins?

If you notice chest wall veins, make an appointment with Dr. Brooks right away. While superior vena cava syndrome is no longer classified as an emergency, you should still seek prompt medical care. 

Dr. Brooks provides thorough exams and diagnostic ultrasound to assess your vascular health and identify the cause of your chest wall veins. The ultrasound can show the location of the blockage or compression and help Dr. Brooks to determine whether additional tests are needed. 

How are chest wall veins treated?

At Beverly Hills Vein Institute, Dr. Brooks offers a variety of treatments to address vascular weakness and reduce the appearance of your chest wall veins. Some of the available treatments include sclerotherapy, Varithena® foam sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy, and microphlebectomy.

If your chest wall veins are due to vein valve weakness that led to retrograde circulation and blood pooling in your weak veins, these treatments not only help your chest wall veins disappear but also improve your blood flow through healthier veins on its journey back to your heart. 

However, if your condition is due to another underlying health issue, Dr. Brooks can also collaborate with other specialists like oncologists. Together they provide joined-up treatment to address the underlying cause of your chest wall veins and reduce their appearance. 

If you have chest wall veins, call Beverly Hills Vein Institute or schedule a consultation online today for expert assessment and treatment.