Fatty necrosis is a benign (non-cancerous) condition where fat tissue dies due to injury and loss of blood supply. This can happen in various parts of the body, but it's commonly associated with the breast. The death of fat cells triggers inflammation, and the released fatty acids can sometimes calcify, forming a palpable lump.
Causes of Fatty Necrosis
Several factors can lead to fatty necrosis:
- Trauma: Physical injury, such as a blow to the breast or other area with fatty tissue, is a common cause. This can range from minor bumps to significant impacts.
- Surgery: Surgical procedures, especially those involving the breast or abdomen, can sometimes damage fat cells and lead to necrosis.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatment for cancer can also cause fat tissue to die in the treated area.
- Pancreatitis: In some cases, the enzymes released during pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) can digest surrounding fat tissue, resulting in fatty necrosis in the abdomen.
- Lipodystrophy: This is a rare condition where abnormal fat loss or accumulation occurs. It can involve the development of fatty necrosis.
Symptoms of Fatty Necrosis
The primary symptom of fatty necrosis is often a painless lump or mass in the affected area. This lump may be firm, irregular, and sometimes tender. Other potential symptoms include:
- Skin discoloration (redness, bruising) near the lump.
- Skin changes (e.g., dimpling).
- Calcifications (calcium deposits) that might be visible on mammography.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and imaging studies such as mammography or ultrasound. A biopsy may be necessary to rule out cancer. Treatment is often not necessary, as fatty necrosis is typically benign and resolves spontaneously. In some cases, the lump may need surgical removal for cosmetic reasons or if it causes discomfort.
Fatty Necrosis in the Breast
Fat necrosis in the breast is particularly noteworthy because it can mimic breast cancer. The presence of a lump requires careful evaluation to differentiate it from cancerous growths. Often, mammography shows characteristic calcifications that aid in diagnosis. Clinicians use imaging and biopsy to reliably distinguish between fatty necrosis and cancer.
References used: Information was synthesized from multiple sources including the provided snippets from Cleveland Clinic, Breast Cancer Now, Cancer.org, ScienceDirect, Wikipedia, Medical News Today, NCBI PMC, WebMD, and Healthline. The information reflects commonly accepted medical knowledge and understanding of fatty necrosis.
