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Fat necrosis left breast

Case contributed by: Dr Garth Kruger

Presentation:

Mag view left breast workup microcalcifications

Patient Data:

Gender: Female

From the case: Fat necrosis left breast

Modality: Mammography

Case Discussion:

Note the lucent pools of fat necrosis with peripheral punctate calcifications.

There is no way you are going to confuse these calcifications with potentially malignant disease. The peripheral distribution around the pools of fat necrosis are a dead give away.

Fat necrosis is a potential trap for breast imagers. A High index of suspicion helps. The process can change over years so do not assume that because there is change, its sinister. Careful comparison with previous is essential. Look out for lucent pools of fat.