The breasts are paired mammary glands located at the upper, anterior aspect of the chest. If lactating the breast will secrete milk for nourishment of an infant. Benign neoplasms refer to irregular growths that do not spread to other areas in the body or to permeating tissue. In this case, it refers to irregular growth in the breast tissue. This disease can affect both male and female Veterans.

Benign neoplasms of the breast may include fibrocystic disease and fibroadenomas which may be caused by hormonal changes. Other benign growths of the breast may be fat necrosis and sclerosing adenosis, lipoma, and intraductal papilloma. Other causes may be infection or trauma.

Manifestations of conditions requiring breast surgery may include: breast lump (there may be thickness, lumpiness or palpable, movable nodules); changes in breast symmetry or size; thickening or dimpling of the skin; edema; ulceration; itching; burning; change in skin temperature; and erosion, retraction, or discharge from the nipple. Pain may or may not be present. Other signs and symptoms may include: excessive breast tissue (macromastia); back and shoulder pain; neck strain; headache; skin disfigurement; low back pain; anterior chest discomfort; or tingling or numbness of the little fingers.

Physical breast examinations, tissue biopsy, blood tests, infertility studies, fluid aspiration, ultrasound, mammography, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done.

Depending on the location of the neoplasm and its cause, no treatment may be needed. Otherwise, treatment may include hormone therapy, or medication for pain and discomfort, or medication to reduce nodularity. In some cases, surgery may be indicated. Reducing caffeine intake may alleviate breast tenderness and reduce nodules. Vitamin E therapy, homeopathic herbs, may be other effective treatments to decrease breast symptoms.

There may also be bone loss from certain medications or from surgery due to loss of estrogen, resulting in a potential for osteoporosis to develop. Education related to the use of good, supportive undergarments and nutrition counseling is indicated. Long-term follow-up care may be necessary.

• None.

• Natural menopause, primary amenorrhea, and pregnancy and childbirth are not disabilities for rating purposes. Chronic residuals of medical or surgical complications of pregnancy may be disabilities for rating purposes.
• When evaluating any claim involving loss or loss of use of one or more creative organs or anatomical loss of one or both breasts, refer to 38 CFR 3.350 to determine whether the Veteran may be entitled to special monthly compensation. Footnotes in the schedule indicate conditions which potentially establish entitlement to special monthly compensation; however, almost any condition in 38 CFR 4.116 might, under certain circumstances, establish entitlement to special monthly compensation.
• Rate chronic residuals according to impairment of function due to scars, lymphedema, or disfigurement (e.g., limitation of arm, shoulder, and wrist motion, or loss of grip strength, or loss of sensation, or residuals from harvesting of muscles for reconstructive purposes), and/or under diagnostic code 7626.