Superficial thoracoepigastric vein thrombophlebitis or Mondor’s disease

Mondor’s disease is a rare superficial thrombophlebitis, most often affecting the thoracoepigastric vein, with an estimated incidence of 0.5–0.9%. Although benign and self-limiting, it may mimic serious conditions such as inflammatory breast cancer or breast abscess, making clinical awareness essential. Mondor’s disease, though often idiopathic, may be associated with trauma, intense physical activity, iatrogenic interventions, or systemic conditions. This report aims to raise clinical suspicion in daily practice, facilitating timely diagnosis and appropriate management. We report the case of a 35-year-old male, active in competitive football, who presented with a 10-day history of a cord-like, painful induration along the right hemithorax. Examination confirmed a tender cord on the lateral chest wall, while laboratory tests and chest radiography were unremarkable. Ultrasound revealed thrombosis of a descending superficial thoracic vein. The patient was managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with complete spontaneous resolution within four weeks and no need for anticoagulation.