I think it all revolves around the tank. If you can find a place the tank can't get to or a place that causes the tank AI to flip out, then you'll survive. If not, then he'll come in and pound on you distracting you while the rest of the special infected and regulars do all the killing.
The Tank can be a round-ender if you aren't paying attention or have a bit of bad luck involving another SI. Mostly though, if you stay put and blast him with the Auto Shotty he's down in a flash. It also helps if there's an obstacle (such as a ladder) between his spawn point and your location and, of course, a long line-of-sight.