Imaging for early stage breast cancer

Fat necrosis

Fact:

✓ Reported by up to 27% of patients with APBI.

✓ Significant association with treated volume.

(234 cm³ ±101 vs. 148cm³ ± 53,

Wazer

2001 )

BUT

The fat necrosis may not be overestimated.

Asymptomatic fat necrosis may be observed in up to 1/3 of irradiated patients indepedently from type of

radiation and even without radiation (calcified suture, coarse calcification owing to necrosis).

Need of surgical intervention is extrem rare!

University Hospital Erlangen