Fat Necrosis

Fat necrosis is a benign condition characterized by the death of fat cells (adipocytes) in fatty tissue, typically due to injury or loss of blood supply[1].

## Causes

Fat necrosis can occur due to various reasons:

- Trauma or injury to fatty tissue
- Surgery, including breast procedures
- Radiation therapy
- Hypoxia (lack of oxygen)
- Inflammation of subcutaneous fat (panniculitis)
- Pancreatic conditions releasing digestive enzymes

It most commonly affects breast tissue but can occur in any area with fatty tissue[1].

## Characteristics

- Presents as a firm, round lump or lumps under the skin
- Usually painless, but can sometimes be tender or painful
- May cause skin changes like thickening, redness, or dimpling
- Can mimic the appearance of tumors, especially in breast tissue
- Typically harmless and often resolves on its own over time

## Diagnosis

A combination of physical examination, medical history, and imaging techniques like mammography, ultrasound, or MRI to diagnose fat necrosis[1][3].

## Treatment

In most cases, fat necrosis does not require treatment:

- The body often breaks down the affected tissue over time
- Pain relief medications may be prescribed if discomfort occurs

In some instances, surgical removal may be recommended if:

- The diagnosis is uncertain
- The lump is large or causing discomfort
- The area does not resolve on its own or continues to grow[3]

It's important to note that fat necrosis does not increase the risk of developing cancer[3]. However, any new lumps or changes in breast tissue should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions.

Citations:
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24187-fat-necrosis
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_necrosis
[3] https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-lumps-and-benign-not-cancer-breast-conditions/fat-necrosis/
[4] https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/what-is-breast-fat-necrosis
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542191/
[6] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319517
[7] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/non-cancerous-breast-conditions/fat-necrosis-and-oil-cysts-in-the-breast.html
[8] https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/fat-necrosis

2.  
   Fat necrosis occurs in two forms:
    
   1.  
      Traumatic fat necrosis, which occurs after a severe injury to tissue with high fat content, such as the breast
   2.  
      Enzymatic fat necrosis, which is a complication of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis, a severe inflammatory disorder of the pancreas
       
      1.  
         Proteolytic and lipolytic pancreatic enzymes diffuse into inflamed tissue and literally digest the parenchyma.
      2.  
         Fatty acids liberated by the digestion of fat form calcium salts (saponification or soap formation).
      3.  
         Vessels are eroded, with resultant hemorrhage.

 

https://www.andreasastier.com/blog/the-different-types-of-necrosis-and-their-histological-identifications