From the Research
Management of fat necrosis in the left breast typically involves conservative measures, with a focus on pain control and reassurance, as it is a benign condition that often resolves on its own, as supported by the most recent study 1. The initial management includes pain control with over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen (500-1000 mg every 6 hours as needed) or ibuprofen (400-600 mg every 6-8 hours with food).
- Applying warm compresses to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily can help improve blood flow and promote healing.
- In cases where the fat necrosis presents as a palpable mass causing significant discomfort or cosmetic concerns, surgical excision may be considered, as discussed in 2. Some key points to consider in the management of fat necrosis include:
- Diagnostic imaging such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI might be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy, especially if the mass is new, growing, or has suspicious features, as noted in 3 and 4.
- Fat necrosis occurs when fatty breast tissue is damaged, often due to trauma, surgery, or radiation therapy, leading to inflammation and scarring, as explained in 5.
- Reassurance is important as patients may worry about breast cancer due to the presence of a lump, but fat necrosis is benign and does not increase cancer risk, as emphasized in 1.