Name of the Condition

• Malignant neoplasm of lower-outer quadrant of right female breast
• Also known as: Right breast cancer in the lower-outer quadrant, Breast carcinoma.

Summary

• This condition refers to a type of breast cancer located in the lower-outer quadrant of the right breast. It's a malignant growth of cells that can potentially spread to other parts of the body if not treated.

Causes

• The exact cause is not always clear but may involve a combination of genetic mutations, hormonal changes, and environmental factors.

Risk Factors

• Age (most common in women over 50)
• Family history of breast cancer
• Genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2)
• Hormonal factors such as early menstruation or late menopause
• Lifestyle factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity.

Symptoms

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast
• Dimpling or irritation of breast skin
• Nipple discharge or inversion
• Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area.

Diagnosis

• Mammography: X-ray of the breast to identify abnormalities.
• Ultrasound or MRI: To further evaluate the breast tissue.
• Biopsy: Removal of tissue sample for pathological examination.
• Genetic testing: For those with a family history.

Treatment Options

• Surgery: Lumpectomy or mastectomy to remove the tumor.
• Radiation therapy: To destroy any remaining cancer cells post-surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Oral or intravenous cancer-fighting drugs.
• Hormonal therapy: For cancers sensitive to hormones like estrogen.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific characteristics of cancer cells.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer at diagnosis.
• Regular follow-ups and monitoring, including imaging and blood tests, are crucial for detecting recurrence.

Complications

• Metastasis (spread to other body parts)
• Lymphedema (swelling due to lymph node removal)
• Psychological impact of diagnosis and treatment.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Consider genetic counseling if at high risk.
• Regular self-exams and screening mammograms.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Noticeable lumps or changes in breast appearance.
• Persistent breast pain or nipple discharge.
• Any new, unusual breast symptoms.

Additional Resources

• American Cancer Society (cancer.org)
• National Breast Cancer Foundation (nationalbreastcancer.org)
• Breast Cancer Now (breastcancernow.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure laterality (right breast) is specified in the documentation.
• Accurately distinguish between malignant and benign conditions.
• Double-check quadrant location (lower-outer) to avoid misclassification.