What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Mammary Angiolipoma

What is Angiolipoma of Breast? (Definition/Background Information)

• An angiolipoma is a benign tumor that has a combination of benign fatty tissue and benign blood vessels. It often occurs as multiple subcutaneous painful nodules, with the most common site being the forearm
• Angiolipoma of Breast is an uncommon site for the tumor and is generally a solitary and painless tumor. There are no predisposing factors reported for the tumor, and the cause is presently unknown
• There are no significant signs and symptoms of Angiolipoma of Breast noted too. The tumor is diagnosed on a breast biopsy by a pathologist when examined under the microscope
• Since the condition is benign and no presentations are noted, no treatment may be usually required. The outcomes are usually good for individuals with Angiolipoma of Breast

Who gets Angiolipoma of Breast? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Angiolipoma of Breast is a rare tumor affecting individuals of a wide age group. One a particular large group study, the age range of tumor presentation varied from 25 to 80 years in women
• More females than males are known to present this tumor
• The condition can affect individuals of all races and ethnic backgrounds

What are the Risk Factors for Angiolipoma of Breast? (Predisposing Factors)

• Presently, no specific risk factors have been identified for Angiolipoma of Breast

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Angiolipoma of Breast? (Etiology)

• Currently, the exact cause of development of Angiolipoma of Breast is not well-understood
• According to research on a small subset of individuals, 80% of the angiolipomas were known to present mutations involving the PRKD2 gene

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Angiolipoma of Breast?

Small-sized Angiolipoma of Breast tumors may not exhibit any signs and symptoms.

• Typically, a solitary tumor is noted
• The condition is generally painless
• Most of the tumors are present in the subcutaneous tissue just below the skin; involvement of the breast tissue is uncommon
• Tumors are usually less than 2 cm at diagnosis
• Large-sized tumors may potentially cause signs and symptoms

How is Angiolipoma of Breast Diagnosed?

Angiolipoma of Breast may be diagnosed in the following manner:

• Complete physical examination with comprehensive medical and family history evaluation
• Breast exam to check for any lumps or unusual signs in the breasts
• Mammogram: A mammogram uses X-rays to provide images of the breast
• Breast ultrasound scan: Using high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the breast
• Computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the breast
• Breast biopsy:
  • A biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
  • Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
  • Sometimes, the pathologist may perform additional studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains and molecular studies to assist in the diagnosis

Biopsies are the only methods used to determine whether an abnormality is benign or cancerous. These are performed by inserting a needle into a breast mass and removing cells or tissues, for further examination. There are different types of biopsies:

• Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of breast mass: In this method, a very thin needle is used to remove a small amount of tissue
• Core needle biopsy of breast mass: A wider needle is used to withdraw a small cylinder of tissue from an abnormal area of the breast
• Open tissue biopsy of breast mass: A surgical procedure used less often than needle biopsies, it is used to remove a part or all of a breast lump for analysis

A definitive diagnosis may be made via core biopsy of the tumor tissue sample.

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Angiolipoma of Breast?

There may not be any significant complications of Angiolipoma of Breast.

• It can cause emotional stress in some women though
• The cellular subtype of angiolipoma may raise a concern for malignancy (angiosarcoma) on imaging studies, especially if observed in older adults

How is Angiolipoma of Breast Treated?

• Following a diagnosis of Angiolipoma of Breast, no further treatments may be necessary for small-sized tumors, based on the healthcare provider’s evaluation
• Large-sized tumors causing symptoms may be surgically removed, if required

Follow-up care with regular breast self-examinations and screening mammograms may be recommended by the healthcare provider.

How can Angiolipoma of Breast be Prevented?

Currently, no specific measures are available to prevent the occurrence of Angiolipoma of Breast.

What is the Prognosis of Angiolipoma of Breast? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Angiolipoma of Breast is generally excellent since it is a benign tumor
• There are no documented cases of local recurrences following its surgical removal, or malignant transformations noted

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Angiolipoma of Breast:

The following DoveMed website links are useful resources for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/womens-health/

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/