What is fat necrosis?

Fat necrosis is a benign (non-cancerous) condition that occurs when fatty tissue in the breast becomes damaged or inflamed. This can lead to the formation of a lump, which may feel firm or slightly tender. It is most commonly seen in women who have experienced breast injury, surgery, or radiotherapy, but it can also develop without any obvious cause.

Fat necrosis does not increase the risk of breast cancer, but because it can sometimes feel similar to other types of lumps, it is important to have it checked by a doctor.

Symptoms of fat necrosis

Fat necrosis may cause:

• A firm, round, or irregular lump in the breast
• A lump that may feel tender or painless
• Skin changes, such as dimpling or redness over the lump
• A bruised or discoloured area on the breast
• In rare cases, nipple retraction (pulling inwards)

The lump may stay the same size, shrink, or sometimes disappear over time.

Causes of fat necrosis

Fat necrosis occurs when fatty tissue in the breast becomes damaged and forms scar-like tissue or cysts. This can be caused by:

• A direct injury to the breast, such as a fall or accident
• Previous breast surgery, including breast reduction or reconstruction
• Radiotherapy for breast cancer treatment
• Liposuction or fat transfer procedures to the breast

Sometimes, fat necrosis develops without any known trauma or surgical history.

When to see a doctor

Any new breast lump should be checked by a GP or breast specialist to rule out other possible causes. While fat necrosis is harmless, it is important to confirm the diagnosis.

You should seek medical advice if:

• You notice a new lump in your breast
• An existing lump changes in size, shape, or texture
• There are skin changes such as redness, dimpling, or thickening
• You experience persistent pain or discomfort in the area

How fat necrosis is diagnosed

Your doctor may recommend the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Breast examination where the doctor feels the lump to assess its texture and mobility
• Ultrasound scan to check whether the lump contains fluid or solid tissue
• Mammogram to look for typical fat necrosis patterns in the breast tissue
• Core biopsy or fine needle aspiration to take a small sample of tissue for analysis

These tests help to differentiate fat necrosis from other types of breast lumps.

Treatment options

Fat necrosis does not require treatment in most cases and may gradually shrink or resolve on its own. However, if the lump is large, painful, or causing concern, treatment options include:

• Pain relief using over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol
• Fine needle aspiration to drain any fluid-filled cysts that may have formed
• Surgical removal if the lump is large or if the diagnosis is unclear

Can fat necrosis come back?

Once fat necrosis has healed, it does not usually return, but new areas of fat necrosis can develop if the breast experiences further injury or trauma. Regular self-examination and routine check-ups can help monitor any changes.

Checking your breasts

Regular self-examination helps with early detection of any changes. Becoming familiar with how your breasts normally feel makes it easier to notice any new lumps, changes in shape, or skin texture. If you notice anything unusual, seek medical advice.

Why choose Birmingham Breast Clinic?

Birmingham Breast Clinic provides expert, patient-centred care with quick access to diagnosis, advanced imaging, and a highly experienced team of breast specialists. Our clinic offers a supportive environment with direct access to further treatment if needed, ensuring you receive the highest level of care.

Contact us

If you have concerns about a breast lump or need expert advice, our specialist team is here to help. Early assessment can provide clarity and peace of mind.