What on Earth Is Mondor’s?

If you Google “Mondor’s disease” (as of May 2013) you’ll get less than 30,000 hits, which on the scale of the internet, is practically a secret. Why isn’t Mondor’s being talked about? What is it?

Mondor’s disease isn’t big news for two reasons: 1. Mondor’s is benign. 2. Mondor’s is unusual.

However, it is interesting. Mondor’s disease, while typically found in the breast, actually lives in the veins of the breast and surrounding areas. Basically, it’s an inflammation of a vein. This can cause a visible blue line and palpable lump (meaning you can feel it with your fingers), often described as a cord, or twisted-string, in shape. And it can be quite uncomfortable. Women will often go to their doctor because of pain, redness and/or palpated lump.  So that is where we come in… with these types of breast problems it is time for a diagnostic mammogram and often accompanied by a breast ultrasound.

To a radiologist, Mondor’s disease is easily identified. Sometimes harder to see on a mammogram, but easily shown by ultrasound. (There’s even a fancy word for that: “an aunt minnie” – in radiology terms that means only one thing looks like this. Radiologists love this stuff.)

The good news? It is a benign breast condition. It symptoms and cord usually resolve in a matter of weeks.  Sometimes you will follow up with breast ultrasound in 6 months for reassurance that all is well.

Originally posted 5/16/13 on mammographykc.com.