A 32-year-old woman presents with a painful, cord-like structure in the lower outer quadrant of the right breast extending toward the costal margin. It became noticeable after she began an intense gym regimen. There is no mass, no skin change, and no nipple discharge. The cord is more prominent when the arms are raised above the head. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A Mammary duct ectasia
- B Fat necrosis following trauma
- C Mondor's disease of the breast ✓
- D Phyllodes tumor
Correct answer: C. Mondor's disease of the breast
Explanation
Mondor's disease is superficial thrombophlebitis of the thoracoepigastric, lateral thoracic, or superior epigastric veins, presenting as a tender palpable cord that becomes taut on arm elevation. It is benign and self-limiting. Duct ectasia presents with nipple discharge and subareolar induration; fat necrosis gives a discrete firm lump, not a cord.
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.