What describes fat necrosis in mammography?

Fat necrosis in mammography is characterized as an encapsulated area that can arise due to surgical interventions, biopsies, or trauma to breast tissue. This phenomenon occurs when adipose tissue (fat) in the breast becomes damaged or inflamed, leading to cell death and subsequent changes in the affected area. The body’s healing response results in the formation of a fibrous capsule around the necrotic fat, which can present as a well-defined mass on imaging studies.

Understanding this process is crucial; it distinguishes fat necrosis from other breast abnormalities. For instance, it does not represent a cyst filled with lymph, nor is it a spiculated mass typically suggestive of malignancy. Fat necrosis can mimic cancer radiologically, which is important for radiologists and clinicians to recognize, avoiding unnecessary procedures or anxiety for patients. Additionally, distinguishing fat necrosis from normal breast tissue changes is vital since it has different implications for diagnosis and management.