Best Mondor's Disease Treatment in Dubai
| King's College Hospital

Also known as thrombophlebitis, Mondor’s disease of the breast is a rare non-cancerous breast condition that occurs as a result of inflammation of the subcutaneous veins under the skin of the breast. While it can be caused by any inflamed vein anywhere in the breast, the most common veins affected are those under the nipple and on the outer side of the breast. And although it is a benign breast condition, Mondor’s disease can be a sign of breast cancer presence. It commonly affects women, but it can also affect men, but this is very rare.

Causes of Mondor’s Disease of the Breast

Numerous researches are yet to know what clearly causes Mondor’s disease, but in most cases, it can be caused by:

• Trauma or injury to the breast
• Vigorous exercises
• Ill-fitting or very tight bra
• It can also be a side effect of breast surgery and breast augmentation
• Can happen after an excision biopsy on the breast
• Can occur after breast cancer surgery

Symptoms of Mondor’s Disease of the Breast

Most of the time Mondor’s disease presents itself with the sudden appearance of a narrow and long cord just under the skin of the breast. Other symptoms of Mondor’s disease include:

1. Painful to the touch of the subcutaneous cord
2. Redness on the subcutaneous cord
3. Over times the cord becomes painless and firm
4. Pulled-in skin where the cord is
5. Shallow groove of the skin where the cord is

Diagnosis of Mondor’s disease of the breast

After the above symptoms have presented themselves, you might be referred to a breast specialist who will be able to examine you further. Usually, the breast specialist will be able to diagnose you through his/her clinical judgement, after which they may recommend a number of tests in order to arrive at a definite diagnosis. These tests include:

1. Mammogram: This is a breast x-ray for possible identification of the breast tissues
2. Ultrasound scan: An image of the breast is produced using high frequency sound waves

Treatment of Mondor’s Disease of the Breast

Usually, treatment of Mondor’s disease may not be required because it gets better by itself in most cases. If there is any pain present on the particular breast, it can last for up to 14 days before it disappears. To be able to relieve any discomfort, you may be prescribed pain medication, both oral and/or topical. A warm compress over the area may also come in handy. As for the subcutaneous cord disappearing, it might take a few months for this to happen, but it will eventually go. Additionally, wearing a fitting bra might also relieve some of the discomfort.

Recovery After Mondor’s Disease of the Breast

After the successful treatment of Mondor’s disease of the Breast, you will be required to keep a close watch on your breasts. Follow-up appointments may be required and should be followed as agreed with the breast doctor. It is important to maintain your routine mammogram and screening breast checks.

Does Mondor’s Disease Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer?

Being diagnosed with any form of breast condition can make one feel uneasy, thinking they are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. Fortunately, Mondor’s disease, which is a non-cancerous breast condition does not increase the risk of developing breast cancer nor does it ‘eventually turn to breast cancer’. On the other hand, on very rare instances, it can be a sign of breast cancer presence. To stay breast aware, you should continue with normal breast screening routine, and if you are concerned about any changes that your breasts might have, it is recommended you visit your doctor at the earliest.

Next Steps

At King’s College Hospital London Dubai, our Breast Care Clinic caters to every type of breast cancer and breast conditions. If you are facing any kind of abnormal changes to your breast, regardless how small, get in touch for a consultation with one of our breast doctors. For more information on breast cancer and breast care, book an appointment below.