What is Mondor’s disease of the penis characterized by? Mondor’s disease of the penis is a rare condition that causes thrombophlebitis (inflammation leading to blood clots) in the superficial veins of the penis, which presents with transient pain and swelling. The condition often occurs as a result of trauma to the penis, but some experts believe it can sometimes have a genetic origin. The diagnosis of Mondor’s disease of the penis can be made by physical examination and ultrasound. Treatment for this otherwise benign and self-limiting condition is usually supportive to relieve pain and inflammation. What is Mondor disease? Mondor’s disease is a condition first described by the French physician Henri Mondor in 1939. Mondor’s disease is characterized by vein thrombophlebitis of the chest wall, breast, and arm. However, the condition can also affect the penis in men. The first case of Mondor disease affecting the penis was described in 1958 and was subsequently named penile Mondor disease. Thrombophlebitis is an inflammatory process in the veins that leads to the formation of blood clots (thrombi). It is usually caused by disorders that increase blood clotting. These include certain genetic diseases that run in families. For example, hereditary antithrombin III deficiency is associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In penile Mondor’s disease, thrombophlebitis usually occurs in the dorsal vein located at the tip of the penis, which runs the length of the penis. Smaller veins that branch off from the dorsal vein can also be affected by the condition. Mondor’s disease of the penis is considered rare with fewer than 400 cases reported in the medical literature worldwide. Despite its absence from the medical literature, many cases of penile Mondor’s disease likely go undiagnosed because affected men may feel embarrassed to visit their doctor and share the problem. Even when they decide to do so, the symptoms may have already begun to subside or have disappeared completely. What are the symptoms of Mondor’s disease of the penis? Mondor’s disease of the penis tends to occur after a traumatic event, such as an injury after prolonged and vigorous sex. The first sign is usually palpable hardening of part of the dorsal vein at the tip of the penis, usually within 24 to 48 hours of the incident. This causes a hard mass just under the skin that is 2 to 10 centimeters long. In addition to the formation of a hardened lesion, symptoms of penile Mondor disease may include: Episodic or persistent pain or throbbing; Penile pain during erection; Edema (tissue swelling due to fluid accumulation); Erythema (superficial reddening of the skin); Difficulty urinating Some cases may involve only the formation of a hardened vein at the tip of the penis without other symptoms.Other cases may occur in conjunction with the formation of similar thrombotic lesions of the breast, chest, or arm. Penile Mondor’s disease is usually self-limiting, meaning it goes away on its own as the body’s natural anticoagulants (“blood thinners”) begin to break down the clot. Most cases will return to normal within four to six weeks. Some cases of penile Mondor disease are a one-time, isolated event. Others may be recurrent and be triggered by the same or a similar triggering event. References: 1. Amano M, Shimizu. Mondor’s disease: a review of the literature 2. Rountree KM, Barazi H, Aulick NF. Mondor disease 3. Genetics and Rare Diseases Information Center. Hereditary antithrombin deficiency 4. Czysz A, Higbee SL. Superficial thrombophlebitis