N64.1 Fat necrosis of breast

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Fat Necrosis of Breast**
- Also referred to as adiponecrosis or necrosis of adipose tissue

#### Summary
Fat necrosis of the breast is a non-cancerous condition where the breast tissue is damaged, leading to the death of fat cells. It often results in the formation of lumps, which may sometimes appear similar to breast cancer in imaging tests but are generally benign.

#### Causes
- Physical trauma to the breast (e.g., injury from a car accident or sports)
- Prior breast surgery (e.g., biopsy, reduction, or reconstruction)
- Radiation therapy

#### Risk Factors
- Previous breast surgery or cosmetic procedures
- History of trauma to the breast
- Older age (slightly increased likelihood in postmenopausal women)

#### Symptoms
- Round, firm lumps in the breast
- Tenderness in the affected area
- Red or bruised skin over the lump

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination by a healthcare provider
- Imaging tests, such as mammography or ultrasound, to differentiate from other conditions
- Biopsy, if needed, to confirm diagnosis by examining tissue under a microscope

#### Treatment Options
- Generally, no treatment is required as fat necrosis often resolves on its own.
- Surgical removal of the lump may be considered if symptomatic or persistent.
- Pain management with analgesics if necessary.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Fat necrosis typically has a benign outcome with spontaneous resolution.
- Regular monitoring may be advised to ensure no changes suggestive of malignancy occur.

#### Complications
- Misdiagnosis as breast cancer due to similar appearance on imaging.
- Rare cases of persistent discomfort or cosmetic concern.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Use of protective gear during contact sports.
- Careful consideration of risks associated with elective breast surgeries.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Persistent lump or changes in breast tissue.
- Acute pain or skin changes over the breast area.

#### Additional Resources
- [American Cancer Society](https://www.cancer.org)
- [Breastcancer.org](https://www.breastcancer.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accurate differentiation from malignant conditions via proper documentation.
- Familiarize with imaging results indicating fat necrosis to avoid miscoding as malignancy.

Medical Policies and Guidelines for Fat necrosis of breast

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