Fat necrosis

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Scoutlady84
Scoutlady84 Member Posts: 2
edited April 2020 in Not Diagnosed But Worried

I have a large indent and hard lumpy area on my right breast. I went for an ultrasound and mammogram yesterday. They diagnosed it as fat necrosis. Were kind of dismissive and told me to come back in 5 years when I am 40 for my routine screening. I have attached part of the ultrasound report.

I haven't had any breast surgery or breast trauma. He said it could be as simple as me sleeping the wrong way. I am not a hypochondriac. In fact I very rarely go to the doctor. I am conflicted. Am I supposed to just accept these results with no additional testing and continue having this indent and hard area? Should I have a biopsy to confirm that it is indeed benign? Who would I talk to to get more testing?

Thank you all for your wisdom and support!

For whatever reason it won’t let me post the image of my ultrasound report.



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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited March 2020

    Hi Scout, and welcome to Breastcancer.org,

    We're so sorry you find yourself here and worrying, but we're really glad you've found us. Good for you being diligent about your breast health.

    You may want to ask for a biopsy to confirm; our main Breastcancer.org site page on Fat Necrosis states:

    "Fat necrosis develops when the body replaces damaged cells with firm scar tissue. Both during clinical breast exams and on a mammogram, it's often impossible to tell the difference between fat necrosis and breast cancer. So biopsy is needed for diagnosis."

    Let us know how you make out. We'll be sending good thoughts your way!

    --The Mods


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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited March 2020

    Scoutlady84

    Here is the best way to post reports.

    Post the Mammo report when you can

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/83/topics...

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  • Da1970
    Da1970 Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2020

    Hi there,

    I had LABC in 2009 right breast . I had a double mastectomy and bilateral DIEP reconstruction in 2012. I recall about six months later having fat necrosis show up on an ultrasound ( non cancer side).... no additional tests needed.

    In July, 2019 I had some fat grafting done on my right side ( breast cancer side). About 2-3 weeks ago I noticed a lump. Last week, I had an ultrasound and 3D mammogram done in the breast care clinic. I spoke directly with the Radiologist who said she is unable to tell if the mass is fat necrosis or a local recurrence.
    She asked me if I had any trauma or injury to that area. I said “ no”. Unfortunately, I forgot I had the fat grafting done last summer and did not mention it to her

    I am having a biopsy done this Wed. I was a BIRAD 4 B. I do not have the ultrasound results yet to forward them on.

    My questions are: is it common to have fat necrosis from fat grafting? Should fat necrosis not be obvious on two diagnostic examinations from last summer?

    Thanks so much for your help!


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  • djmammo
    djmammo Member Posts: 2,939
    edited April 2020

    Da1970

    Any trauma involving fat can cause this and surgery technically is a type of trauma.

    If very early, it can be difficult to make a definitive dx of FN especially if the calcifications are just starting to form.

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