Fat necrosis
Fat necrosis is a form of necrosis that is caused by the action of lipases on adipocytes.
| Fat necrosis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | also known as Balser's necrosis |
| Micrograph of breast tissue showing fat necrosis. H&E stain | |
| Specialty | Pathology |
In fat necrosis, the enzyme lipase releases fatty acids from triglycerides. The fatty acids then complex with calcium to form soaps. These soaps appear as white chalky deposits.
It is usually associated with trauma of the pancreas or acute pancreatitis. It can also occur in the breast, the salivary glands and neonates after a traumatic delivery.
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