Fat Necrosis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Bhargava Vyas A N , General Surgeons

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Fat necrosis is a condition in which fatty tissue is damaged and forms firm lumps, most commonly after injury, surgery, radiation therapy, or inflammation. It frequently affects the breast but can occur in other parts of the body. Symptoms may include painless or tender lumps, skin changes, and swelling. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help relieve symptoms, rule out serious conditions, and support recovery.

What are the Symptoms of Fat Necrosis?

Fat necrosis symptoms may include a firm lump under the skin, tenderness, redness, or changes in the overlying skin.

Lumps and Nodules

The most common symptom of fat necrosis is the appearance of lumps or nodules under the skin. These can feel firm or rubbery.

Pain and Tenderness

Some people experience pain or tenderness in the area affected by fat necrosis, although this is not always the case.

Skin Changes

In some instances, the skin over the affected area might appear red, bruised, or dimpled.

Fat Necrosis in Breast

Fat necrosis in the breast can be particularly worrying because it can mimic the symptoms of breast cancer. However, it's important to note that fat necrosis is benign.

Fat Necrosis in Leg

While less common, fat necrosis can also occur in the leg, often due to injury or after surgery.

What are the Causes of Fat Necrosis?

Fat necrosis is caused by injury or trauma to fatty tissue, often following surgery, radiation, or inflammation, leading to damage and breakdown of fat cells.

Trauma or Injury

Fat necrosis is often caused by trauma or injury to the fatty tissue. This can happen due to accidents, surgeries, or even minor bumps.

Surgery

Surgeries, especially those involving the breast or cosmetic procedures like liposuction, can damage fat cells and lead to fat necrosis.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation oncology, often used to treat cancer, can sometimes damage nearby fat tissue, causing necrosis.

Injections

Injections of substances like corticosteroids directly into fatty areas can sometimes lead to fat necrosis.

When to See a Doctor for Fat Necrosis?

A new lump, persistent pain, or changes in the skin or breast should be evaluated by a general surgeon or breast surgeon. Although Fat Necrosis is usually benign, proper assessment is important to rule out breast cancer or other serious conditions.

You should see a doctor if you have:

A new or enlarging lump beneath the skin or in the breast.
Persistent pain or tenderness in the affected area.
Skin dimpling, thickening, or redness.
A lump that does not improve over time.

Get medical help immediately if:

Rapidly increasing swelling or severe pain.
Signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or spreading redness.
A hard, irregular lump associated with nipple discharge or significant skin changes.

These could be signs of a serious complication like Fat Necrosis, which needs urgent care.

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How Is Fat Necrosis Diagnosed?

Fat necrosis is diagnosed through clinical examination, imaging tests, and sometimes biopsy to confirm the condition and rule out other causes.

Physical Examination

A healthcare provider will typically start with a physical examination of the affected area.

Imaging Tests

To get a clearer picture, imaging tests like mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs might be used.

Biopsy

In some cases, a biopsy might be necessary to confirm that the lump is benign fat necrosis and not something more serious.

What are the Treatment Options for Fat Necrosis?

Treatment options for fat necrosis may include observation, pain management, or surgical removal if the lump is large, painful, or causes concern.

Observation

In many cases, fat necrosis doesn't require any treatment and may resolve on its own over time. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is often recommended.