Mondor's disease of the breast in a patient living with sickle cell disease: a case report.

backgroundMondor's disease of the breast is a rare benign clinical condition characterised by sclerosing thrombophlebitis occurring in subcutaneous veins of the breast. Typically, a tender, palpable cord in the affected quadrant of the breast is found on physical examination. Ultrasonography is the primary imaging modality for confirming the diagnosis following clinical suspicion. CASE PRESENTATION: This paper reviews the case of a 42 year old Ghanaian female living with sickle cell disease (genotype SS) who reported with a week's history of bilateral breast pain and lumps in her left breast. Physical examination revealed pendulous symmetrical breasts with a palpable thickened cord and mild peau d'orange change of the overlying skin in the upper inner quadrant of the left breast. Ultrasound of the left breast showed a tubular, hypoechoic structure located within the subcutaneous plane, following the course of a superficial vein.

conclusionMondor's disease of the breast, diagnosed mainly with ultrasonography, though a rare cause of breast pain, still needs heightened awareness among clinicians in Ghana. Most cases are idiopathic with patients going on to full recovery with resolution of the Mondor's cord and pain. Greater representation of benign and malignant breast pathologies in darker skin tones within medical literature may enhance clinician awareness and reduce potential disparities in early detection.