Mondor’s disease of the penis: a common presentation of an uncommon disease

Background: Penile Mondor’s disease (PMD) is a rare clinical condition with an estimated incidence of 1.39%, though the true incidence may be higher as it is often self-limiting. Many patients may not seek medical attention due to stigma, potentially leading to untreated psychological distress and sexual dysfunction. Case presentation: We report the case of a young man who presented with a cord-like swelling on his penile shaft, persisting for three months. The swelling was accompanied by mild pain during erection and was initially managed with oral paracetamol. Due to ongoing symptoms and increasing anxiety, the patient sought medical attention. Surgical excision of the swelling was performed, and histopathological analysis confirmed thrombosis of the dorsal penile vein, consistent with a diagnosis of Mondor’s disease (MD) of the penis. The patient had an uneventful recovery, with no recurrence observed at the 2-month follow-up. Clinical discussion: The pathogenesis of MD of the penis remains unclear, though trauma to the penile shaft, such as external compression, is considered a primary risk factor. While management is generally conservative, surgery may be warranted in persistent or severe cases. Conclusion: Clinicians should consider MD in the differential diagnosis of penile swelling, as it may be a sign of an underlying vascular condition. Early recognition and appropriate management can help alleviate symptoms and reduce psychological distress.