Name of the Condition

• Malignant Neoplasm of Central Portion of Left Female Breast
• Also known as Left Breast Cancer, Central Portion

Summary

• This condition refers to a malignant tumor located in the central portion of a woman's left breast. It involves the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells that can potentially invade other parts of the body.

Causes

• Genetic factors: Mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
• Hormonal factors: Prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone.
• Environmental causes: Radiation exposure and certain chemical exposures.
• Lifestyle factors: Obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity.

Risk Factors

• Age: Increased risk for women over 50.
• Family history: A history of breast cancer in close relatives.
• Genetic predisposition: Inherited gene mutations.
• Reproductive history: Early menstruation or late menopause, having the first child after 30, or never having a child.

Symptoms

• A lump or mass in the breast.
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin.
• Nipple discharge or inversion.
• Redness or scaliness of the breast or nipple skin.

Diagnosis

• Screening mammogram: X-ray of the breast.
• Ultrasound: To characterize breast lumps.
• Biopsy: Removing tissue for lab analysis.
• MRI: Detailed imaging to assess the extent of cancer.

Treatment Options

• Surgery: Lumpectomy or mastectomy to remove cancerous tissue.
• Radiation therapy: Targets and kills cancer cells post-surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to eliminate cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy: Blocks hormones that support cancer growth.
• Targeted therapy: Targets specific characteristics of cancer cells.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis: Varies based on stage at diagnosis and response to treatment. Early detection generally leads to better outcomes.
• Follow-Up: Regular follow-up appointments are critical to monitor for recurrence and manage any ongoing symptoms.

Complications

• Metastasis: Spread to other parts of the body such as bones, liver, or lungs.
• Lymphedema: Swelling due to lymph node removal.
• Recurrence: Risk of cancer returning after treatment.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Diet: Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps reduce risk.
• Screening: Adhere to recommended screenings and self-examinations.
• Avoid alcohol: Limiting alcohol consumption.

When to Seek Professional Help

• If you notice a new breast lump or changes in the breast.
• Persistent breast pain or changes in breast skin appearance.
• Any of the above symptoms lasting more than a week.

Additional Resources

• American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org
• Breast Cancer Support Groups: Local or online communities.
• National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate laterality coding (left breast).
• Double-check the precise location (central portion) to avoid miscoding.
• Verify any additional modifiers related to patient history or concurrent conditions.