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Mondor disease



Other Names:
Mondor's disease; Thrombophlebitis of breast; Thrombophlebitis of the subcutaneous veins of breast; Mondor's disease; Thrombophlebitis of breast; Thrombophlebitis of the subcutaneous veins of breast; Thrombophlebitis of the subcutaneous veins of the anterior chest wall; Mondor's syndrome of superficial thrombophlebitis See More

Mondor disease is a rare condition that is characterized by scarring and inflammation of the veins located just beneath the skin of the chest. The affected veins are initially red and tender and subsequently become a painless, tough, fibrous band that is accompanied by tension and retraction of the nearby skin. In most cases, the condition is benign and resolves on its own; however, Mondor disease can rarely be associated with breast cancer. Although the condition most commonly affects the chest, Mondor disease of other body parts (including the penis, groin, and abdomen) has been described, as well. Mondor disease is thought to occur when pressure or trauma on the veins causes blood to stagnate. In most cases, the condition arises after recent breast surgery, but it can also be associated with physical strain and/or tight-fitting clothing (i.e. bras). Treatments are available to help relieve symptoms until the condition resolves.[1][2]
Last updated: 3/14/2016

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Mondor disease. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Robert A Schwartz, MD, MPH. Mondor Disease. Medscape Reference. Sseptember 2015; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1087099-overview.
  2. Khan UD. Mondor disease: a case report and review of the literature. Aesthet Surg J. May-June 2009; 29(3):209-212.