Fat Necrosis Of The Breast

OVERVIEW

Fat necrosis of the breast is a process that is very self descriptive (it literally defines itself!).

WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?

Risk Factors:

Previous breast trauma (seatbelt injury) or surgery (breast reduction/reconstruction)

Initial Presentation:

• Palpable breast mass

Physical Examination

Breast examination can reveal the presence of :

• A mass that is often firm and fixed in place.
• Skin/nipple retraction may be preset

CLINCIAL WORKUP

Mammography can reveal a mass that is:

• Spiculated
• Contains coarse calcifications

Ultrasonography of the breast  can show a hyeprechoic mass.

Biopsy of the mass can show:

• Foamy macrophages
• Fat globules.

HOW DO WE TREAT IT?

Surgical excision: typically the entire mass is surgically excised and analyzed for malignancy.

ARCHIVE OF STANDARDIZED EXAM QUESTIONS 

This archive compiles standardized exam questions that relate to this topic.

Page Updated: 10.05.2016