Mondor Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Mondor Disease?
A primary care doctor or a breast surgeon, a surgeon who treats breast problems, often evaluates Mondor disease. A radiologist, a doctor who reads imaging tests, may do an ultrasound to confirm it. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Mondor disease?
Mondor disease of the breast is a rare and benign condition. Benign is a word doctors use for a condition that is usually not dangerous. It is thrombophlebitis, a blood clot with swelling in a vein. It affects veins just under the skin of the front of the chest wall. French surgeon Henri Mondor described it in 1939. The same kind of vein problem can also happen on the penis or in the armpit.
Symptoms
The main sign is a sudden, usually painful, cord-like hard area under the skin of the chest wall. In some cases, the cord can be felt for several months.
Causes and who gets it
In 50% to 60% of cases, no cause is found. In 40% to 50% of cases, some factor that makes it more likely may be present. Many case reports link it to local trauma, such as vigorous exercise, a tight bra, or direct injury. It has also been seen after breast procedures. These include breast shape surgery, mastectomy, breast-saving cancer surgery, and core needle biopsy, a test that takes a small tissue sample.
Women are three times more likely to be affected than men. The average age is 30 to 60 years. It does not seem to favor any race or ethnic group. The number of people who have it is unknown because it is rare.
How doctors diagnose it
The diagnosis is based on your medical history and a physical exam. Further tests are usually not necessary. A color Doppler ultrasound is not required, but it can help confirm the diagnosis. This test uses sound waves and can show that no blood is flowing in the affected vein. A mammogram, a breast x-ray, is done to look for a cause rather than to confirm the diagnosis. The link with breast cancer has been estimated at around 4%, so a mammogram should be considered in both women and men.
Treatment
In general, Mondor disease clears up by itself within 4 to 8 weeks, and no particular treatment is needed. First-line care is warm compresses, painkillers, and NSAIDs, medicines that ease pain and swelling. It also means staying away from irritating clothing or activities. Most cord-like areas go away with no other treatment. Surgery can be considered if the pain is unbearable.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you find a painful, cord-like hard area under the skin of your chest wall. In some cases, Mondor disease led to the diagnosis of an underlying breast cancer. Even after it clears, follow-up is important. Call 911 or go to the emergency room for chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, severe trouble breathing, fainting, or sudden confusion or trouble waking up.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can do an evaluation, arrange imaging when needed, follow your progress at later visits, and refer you to a specialist.
Common questions
Is Mondor disease serious?
Usually not, because it often goes away on its own. Even so, Mondor disease of the breast has been linked to breast cancer in a small number of people. A doctor can tell you whether a mammogram is needed.
How long does Mondor disease last?
Mondor disease usually lasts 4 to 8 weeks. In some cases, the cord can still be felt for several months.
Does Mondor disease mean I have breast cancer?
No, most people with Mondor disease do not have breast cancer. The link has been estimated at around 4%, so doctors may consider a mammogram.
Can exercise or a tight bra cause Mondor disease?
Possibly, because many case reports link it to local trauma. Examples are vigorous exercise, a tight bra, or direct injury.
Sources
- PubMed Central - Mondor's disease of the breast: a case series
- PubMed Central - Case report of Mondor disease in a 49-year-old Albanian woman
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
