Name of the Condition

• Acquired Absence of Right Breast and Nipple
• Medical term: Mastectomy (unilateral, right side)

Summary

Acquired absence of the right breast and nipple refers to the loss or removal of the right breast and nipple, typically as a result of surgical intervention such as a mastectomy, which is often performed to treat or prevent breast cancer.

Causes

• Surgical removal due to breast cancer or high risk of breast cancer.
• Trauma or injury leading to surgical resection.
• Complications from severe infections or other medical conditions necessitating removal.

Risk Factors

• Personal or family history of breast cancer.
• Genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1 or BRCA2).
• Previous radiation exposure.
• Personal choice for prophylactic mastectomy.

Symptoms

• Absence or physical loss of the breast and nipple.
• Possible scarring or changes in skin texture.
• Sensitivity or numbness in the chest area.

Diagnosis

• Typically diagnosed through medical history and physical examination.
• Imaging tests (like mammograms or MRIs) may document pre- and post-surgical changes.

Treatment Options

• Breast reconstruction surgery to reconstruct the breast mound and nipple.
• Use of external prosthesis or breast forms.
• Physical therapy to improve mobility and strength in the shoulder and chest area.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis varies depending on the underlying condition necessitating breast removal.
• Regular follow-up with healthcare providers for cancer surveillance if mastectomy was cancer-related.
• Psychological support and counseling may be beneficial.

Complications

• Potential lymphedema if lymph nodes were also removed.
• Infection or complications from reconstructive surgery.
• Psychological impact such as body image issues or depression.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Healthy diet and regular exercise to maintain general health.
• Smoking cessation as it can affect healing and overall recovery.
• Regular medical check-ups and adherence to recommended screening guidelines.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Signs of infection such as redness, fever, or unusual discharge at the surgical site.
• Persistent pain or swelling in the chest or arm.
• New breast lumps or changes in the chest area.

Additional Resources

• Breastcancer.org
• American Cancer Society
• Local support groups and counseling services for post-mastectomy patients.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate coding by confirming this is an acquired condition, not congenital.
• Double-check laterality to confirm it is right-sided absence.
• Avoid confusion with other breast-related conditions or congenital absence codes.