Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children

Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children

Article
Kids' Zone
Skin Care
+1
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAJun 25, 2018

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

  • Posttraumatic Fat Necrosis in Children
  • Traumatic Fat Necrosis in Children

What is Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children is a benign skin condition of unknown origin that occurs in children, after a trauma in some cases
  • The cause of the condition is generally unknown. The skin lesions from Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children may occur at various parts of the body, although most are confined to the limbs
  • No other significant signs and symptoms or complications are noted. Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children may be diagnosed following a tissue biopsy
  • Generally, no treatment is needed for Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children, since the condition is known to resolve spontaneously. In a vast majority, the prognosis of the condition is good

Who gets Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children is a rare condition that is reported in children
  • It may be seen in both males and females
  • No racial or ethnic group predilection is observed

What are the Risk Factors for Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children? (Predisposing Factors)

  • Presently, no clearly-established risk factors have been associated with Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children
  • The condition is reportedly associated with a prior trauma. However, in many cases, there is no history of trauma noted

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 Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children? (Etiology)

  • The exact cause of Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children is currently unknown. It occurs from the presence of fat necrosis within the subcutaneous tissue
  • In most cases, no history of trauma is present, even though the condition is termed “Posttraumatic Fat Necrosis in Children”
  • Nevertheless, it could also be that the previous trauma could have been minor or may have occurred a while ago (months to years before) and went unnoticed

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children?

The signs and symptoms of Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children may include:

  • Presence of soft tissue lumps beneath the skin
  • The benign tumors may be present at a single location or at multiple locations in the body
  • The most common site include the upper and lower extremities - arms and legs
  • The lesions may be tender to touch; but, pain is generally not associated with the lesions

How is Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children Diagnosed?

Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children may be diagnosed using the following tests and exams:

  • Complete physical examination with comprehensive evaluation of medical history
  • Radiographic studies of the affected region such as MRI scans; such studies may show features of fat necrosis in the benign lumps
  • Tissue biopsy: A biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The 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

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 Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children?

  • No significant complications are observed from Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children
  • In some cases, presence of the abnormal lumps may result in emotional stress in the affected children

How is Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children Treated?

  • Generally, no treatment is necessary for Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children. The condition usually resolves without treatment on its own
  • Providing reassurance and helping with feelings of stress and anxiety may be required in some cases

Follow-up care with regular screening and checkups are recommended, after resolution of the condition.

How can Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children.

What is the Prognosis of Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children is generally good, since it is a benign condition that gets better on its own with time.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Fat Necrosis after Trauma in Children:

Please visit our Skin Care Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/skin-disorders/

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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