A 33-year-old woman notices a tender, rope-like cord in the lower outer quadrant of the right breast extending toward the epigastrium, appearing a week after she began an intensive gym programme. There is no mass, skin change, or axillary node. What is the underlying pathology and appropriate management?
- A Early inflammatory carcinoma, requiring urgent core biopsy
- B Thrombosed branch of the axillary vein, requiring systemic anticoagulation
- C Thrombophlebitis of the thoracoepigastric vein, managed conservatively with analgesia and resolves spontaneously ✓
- D Axillary web syndrome, requiring surgical release
Correct answer: C. Thrombophlebitis of the thoracoepigastric vein, managed conservatively with analgesia and resolves spontaneously
Explanation
Mondor's disease is a self-limiting superficial thrombophlebitis of the thoracoepigastric or lateral thoracic veins, presenting as a tender cord, often after mechanical strain, trauma, or vigorous exercise. It is benign, requires only reassurance and symptomatic treatment, and resolves over weeks. Anticoagulation is unnecessary because the deep venous system is not involved, there are no features of inflammatory carcinoma such as peau d'orange, and surgical release has no role in this condition.
Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.