Superficial Dorsal Vein Treatment

Although it predominantly affects more women than men, superficial dorsal vein disease can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable malady.

History

• This particular disease was first observed and described in 1939 by Henri Mondor, hence its common name, Mondor's disease. An uncommon ailment, it is characterized by a vein which initially is red and swollen but gradually progresses to a hardened (but relatively painless) band around the affected area. It is seen in three times as many women as men.

Causes

• There are no known causes for Mondor's disease (as of 2010), although there is speculation that excessive sexual activity might trigger an outbreak in men.

Diagnosis

• This disease is characterized mainly by visual diagnosis, and lab tests are not necessary. However, some physicians might run ultrasounds and ultrasonographs to reassure the patient that there is nothing happening beneath the surface of the tissue that needs to be addressed.

Treatment

• Treatment consists mainly of relieving the symptoms, using pain relievers such as aspirin and antibiotics. There is no specific medication available that will cure the condition, and it will usually go away on its own in a time frame that can last from three weeks to six months.