APA Dictionary of Psychology

the illusion that an amputated breast is still present, often manifested as a tingling or, occasionally, painful sensation in the area of the missing organ; in some cases, the individual may even deny that the breast has been removed. It is thought that the brain’s representation of the breast remains intact and, in the absence of normal somesthetic stimulation, becomes active either spontaneously or as a result of stimulation from other brain tissue. See also phantom limb.