Fat necrosis of the breast: characteristic xeromammographic appearance

Eight cases of fat necrosis of the breast were examined by xeromammography and confirmed pathologically. They showed a spectrum of mammographic appearances, from mimicking other benign diseases to suggesting a malignant lesion. Three of the eight cases showed the benign ring-like calcification associated with fat necrosis; this is a higher percentage than reported in previous series. In our experience this radiological presentation of fat necrosis is not infrequent and biopsy of these lesions is not necessary unless other clinical or radiological signs suggest malignancy.