Carcinoma of the breast presenting as deep vein thrombosis of the axillary vein

Abstract Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of malignancy in the female population, rarely is reported by thromboembolic events during the course of the disease. In this case, we present a rare case of breast cancer presenting as deep vein thrombosis of the axillary vein. Case Presentation: A 40-year- old female was admitted due to pain and swelling of her right arm and forearm of two months’ duration. The right arm was grossly edematous with pitting edema. Breast examination showed non-tender fixed nodules in the right outer quadrant of the right breast. Doppler ultrasonography showed right axillary vein thrombosis. The pathologic examination of the nodules confirmed infiltrating ductal adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: This case highlights the procoagulant state of malignancies and it is important to remember that though rare, breast malignancies can present as deep venous thrombosis. This case also highlights the early and aggressive evaluation of any breast discharge to rule out carcinoma of the breast.