Fat necrosis breast

Case contributed by Garth Kruger
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Previous left breast surgery for breast cancer. Palpable mass lesion on clinical exam.

Patient Data

Gender: Female
mammography

The serpiginous peripheral calcification around the lucent necrotic fat is typical of breast fat necrosis.

Case Discussion

The potential for confusion with malignant breast calcification arises when there is a small focus of fat necrosis with a small portion calcified. The key to picking this up is the history of a surgical intervention or breast trauma with a high index of suspicion. 

This is a typical appearance on mammography.

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