What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Mondor’s Disease of Breast
• Mondor's Syndrome of Superficial Thrombophlebitis
• Thrombophlebitis of Breast (Disorder)

What is Mondor’s Disease? (Definition/Background Information)

• Mondor’s Disease is an inflammation of the superficial veins in the anterior chest wall and breasts. It is caused by blood clotting in these veins
• Mondor’s Disease generally affects adult women and may be caused by any injury or surgery
• A painful lump may be observed in these regions with redness and swelling. A doppler scan can help establish a diagnosis of Mondor’s Disease
• Mondor’s Disease may be treated conservatively and the symptoms improve within a few weeks. The prognosis is good, unless any complication, such as a lung embolism develops

Who gets Mondor’s Disease? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Mondor’s Disease is a very rare condition. It usually occurs in individuals who are between 30 and 60 years of age
• Women are 9-times more likely to be affected by the condition, than men
• There is no racial or ethnic predilection observed with Mondor’s Disease

What are the Risk Factors for Mondor’s Disease? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors of Mondor’s Disease include:

• Smoking
• Infections
• Inherited clotting diseases (thrombophilia)
• Prior breast surgery or injury
• Breast cancer

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Mondor’s Disease? (Etiology)

• Mondor’s Disease may be caused due to any trauma (injury), surgery, or infection
• However, a cause is often not identified

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Mondor’s Disease?

The signs and symptoms of Mondor’s Disease are:

• Abrupt onset of superficial pain
• Swelling and redness
• A lump that is most times tender and cord-like
• Mondor’s Disease frequently affects the chest wall and breasts
• It can also affect the neck, underarms, arms, groin, and penis

How is Mondor’s Disease Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Mondor’s Disease may involve the following:

• A complete physical examination with detailed medical history evaluation
• Doppler study:
  • It is done to check for blood flow through the veins
  • A lack of blood flow in the superficial veins indicates Mondor’s Disease
  • Also, the veins may appear dilated and tubular on MRI mammography

Note: Generally, there is no requirement of a biopsy to diagnose this condition.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Mondor’s Disease?

The complications of Mondor’s Disease may include:

• There is a small chance of clotting that may spread to the deeper veins
• Some of these deeper clots can become dislodged and travel by blood to the lungs (pulmonary emboli)

How is Mondor’s Disease Treated?

Mondor’s Disease is a self-limiting condition that usually resolves on its own. However, the following conservative treatment measures may be recommended by the healthcare provider:

• Use of warm compresses
• Anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin, ibuprofen, or indomethacin, which can help alleviate the symptoms

How can Mondor’s Disease be Prevented?

Mondor’s Disease is a rare condition, and currently, there are no methods available to prevent its occurrence.

What is the Prognosis of Mondor’s Disease? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

Mondor’s Disease usually goes away on its own in a matter of weeks (i.e., it is self-limited). The prognosis of the condition is generally excellent.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Mondor’s Disease:

• If Mondor’s Disease is discovered in an otherwise healthy woman, a screening mammogram for cancer might be suggested by the physician
• Mondor’s Disease is also known as Axillary Web Syndrome (when found in the underarms/axilla)