what is fat necrosis?

[cheekie723]

I have been diagnosed with fat necrosis (in one breast) after a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction with a tram free flap.


I noticed a little hardness in one breast.  How is this treated?  What is the long term prognosis? Will fat necrosis make imaging studies more difficult to read?

[japdip]

Fat necrosis is the death of small areas of fatty tissue. A lump forms in these areas. This usually requires no treatment unless it occurs for no reason but since yours has occured post op you know it's cause. These lumps often absolve themsolves in time. They can be removed if necessary for some reason.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Fat necrosis is a benign breast condition whereby a firm lump forms in an area of fatty breast tissue that has been damaged. This may be from previous surgery to the breast or a bruise or injury to the breast.

The lump is usually painless, and the skin around it may look red, bruised or dimpled.
Fat necrosis doesn't need any treatment or follow up and it often disappears of its own accord. The lump will usually only be removed if this is done as part of reaching a diagnosis. Having fat necrosis does not increase your risk of breast cancer.

Hope this helps with your doubts.

Let us know if you have any more queries.

Regards.

[iamsuzieque]

My breast lump occurred after my breast reduction series of tests such as US, Mammogram biopsies all say it is caused by fat necrosis yet it has enlarged over the last four years too about the size of an egg.  I've gone too see a surgeon not my PS and he wants too remove it just in case yet all tests say it is benign.  I am afraid that if I have it removed it will leave more scaring develop of fat necrosis again and since the doctor is not a plastic surgeon he is not concerned about how my breast will look after surgery.  If you find out anything or I do on this subject l will pass along please let me know too if you do.  Best of luck too you.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

You could ask your breast specialist to refer you to a plastic surgeon or you could go ahead and consult one yourself.

You could also talk to your breast specialsit about following up the lump periodically and deffering the surgery for now.

You could carry out regular breast self examinations nad get periodic evaluations by your doctor and repeat investigations annually to see for any change in the lesion.

Let us know what your doctor advises and if you have any other doubts.

Regards.