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What Causes Unknown Painful Tubular Lump Running From Armpit Down To The Torso?
Question: I have an abnormal, tubular structure running from my left armpit down my side-torso for about 16 centimeters. It is tender to the touch. I can feel it beneath my fingertips. It's small, maybe 1/8 of an inch in diameter; also kind of lumpy along its length. I think it is also associated with a very sharp, searing-hot pain I've experienced in the area of my armpit when I have attempted to over-extend my arm while reaching for something. I've experienced this pain a handful of times, but eventually stopped reaching for things in an attempt to avoid the sharp pain. I've had these episodes of sharp over the past several months, but only noticed the tubular structure in the last week. Saw my personal physician this morning. He said he's never seen anything like it in 30-plus years of practice. I'm scheduled for an MRI in a week. I'm very puzzled about what I might be facing. Any ideas?
Brief Answer:
It sounds like Mondor's disease.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
It seems you are suffering from Mondors disease or Superficial Thrombophlebitis of the axillary and chest wall veins. It can happen due to a variety of causes. The superficial veins in that area get thrombosed or blocked. This leads to the palpable cord like lump and pain. It stands out like a tendon.
If the thrombosis has occurred without any reason which it usually does then you should ask your GP to do a malignancy screening.
The treatment is usually conservative with Pain killer and anti inflammatory medicines and Heparin ointment for local application. Also warm compresses over the vein help.
But it takes at least a few weeks for the condition to regress.
Patients who do not get relieved with such treatment can be offered surgical removal of the involved vein.
Do let me know if there are any queries that you need resolved.
Take care.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
It sounds like Mondor's disease.
Detailed Answer:
Hello.
It seems you are suffering from Mondors disease or Superficial Thrombophlebitis of the axillary and chest wall veins. It can happen due to a variety of causes. The superficial veins in that area get thrombosed or blocked. This leads to the palpable cord like lump and pain. It stands out like a tendon.
If the thrombosis has occurred without any reason which it usually does then you should ask your GP to do a malignancy screening.
The treatment is usually conservative with Pain killer and anti inflammatory medicines and Heparin ointment for local application. Also warm compresses over the vein help.
But it takes at least a few weeks for the condition to regress.
Patients who do not get relieved with such treatment can be offered surgical removal of the involved vein.
Do let me know if there are any queries that you need resolved.
Take care.
Dr Rishi, New XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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