Breast fat necrosis can be a scary condition for many women because it manifests it the form of a lump in the breast. Thankfully this is one lump that is harmless. They are not malignant and do not increase the chances for a woman to develop breast cancer in the future. In fact, it is rare that a doctor will remove a lump caused by breast fat necrosis.
What is Breast Fat Necrosis?
Breast fat necrosis is a lump that forms in the breast due to fat cells that have either been damaged ot degenerated. This condition, which is more common in women with large breasts, is caused by trauma to the breast. Any type of blow to the breast or fall which results in bruising may further lead to necrosis. Many times the lump will form with a bruising or redness around it. It is also common for patients who have recently undergone a lumpectomy to develop breast necrosis. The same is true for radiation therapy.
Detection
Like with any other lump in the breast, breast fat necrosis can be detected with a self exam of the breasts. These exams should be conducted once a month to help find breast necrosis or any other type of lump in the breast. A proper exam begins with a visual exam done in front of a mirror. In the visual portion of the exam look for any changes in the size, shape, or symmetry of the breasts, as well as any abnormality of the nipple, and any dimples or discoloration of the skin.
The second portion of the exam is done by touch, and referred to as palpation. Palpation should be performed in a pattern which insures that every part of the breast is covered. The breast should be felt using the index, middle and ring fingers. For optimal effectiveness palpation should be performed once with only a light touch and then a second time with a deeper pressure.
Additional Symptoms
Aside from the firm lump in the breast and possible bruising, breast fat necrosis is marked by some additional symptoms. Patients with breast fat necrosis also experience breast pain and a fluid discharge from the nipple of the effected breast. it is also common to notice that the skin covering the lump will be dimpled. Some women also experience a nipple that inverts, or retracts inward, and a discoloration of the effected breast. The color is similar to an orange peel.
The Doctor Visit
Regardless of whether additional symptoms are experienced, any time a lump is found in the breast it is imperative that a doctor's visit be made as soon as possible. While breast fat necrosis is harmless, only a doctor has the tools necessary to rule out other possibilities, such as a cancerous tumor.
A doctor may perform a number of examination types, but expect a biopsy. this may mean a simple needle inserted into the tissue to extract a sample, or it may mean a small surgical operation that would allow the doctor to retrieve a larger sample. The doctor is also likely to do a mammogram or refer the patient to a specialist.
Treatment
Once an official diagnosis of breast fat necrosis has been made it is generally simple to treat at home. Treatment generally involves a warm compress and pain killers. Most doctors will recommend that a warm compress be applied to the effected breast for 20 to 30 minutes at a time every four hours until the condition resolves itself.
For most women over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication will be enough for the pain. This includes medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Some women, however, experience a larger than normal amount of pain with breast fat necrosis and will have narcotic pain relievers prescribed to them.
Tags: breast necrosis, lump breast, effected breast, also common, also experience, breast necrosis
