Section: Breast Curriculum: Curriculum, page 9 and Curriculum, page 9
Definition
- Localised thrombophlebitis of superficial breast veins
Incidence
- Rare
Aetiology
- Association with
- Trauma
- Inflammatory Ca (with 2° venous stasis)
- COC / other pro-thrombotic agents
- May follow mastectomy
Clinical
- Pain - may be sudden (+/- severe)
- O/E: localized, tender, cord-like structure in the subcutaneous tissues
- May affect veins at the inframammary fold (may follow mastectomy)
Pathology
- Lateral Thoracic vein
- Thoracoepigastric vein
- +/- Superficial Epigastric vein
Investigations
- Screen for Cancer
Management
- Anti-inflammatory agents
- Warm compress
- Rule out cancer
Natural Hx / Prognosis
- Benign self-limiting disorder; usually resolves over 4-6wks
