A patient presents with a painful lump in the breast weeks after trauma. What is the likely diagnosis?

The likely diagnosis of fat necrosis in this case is supported by the patient's history of trauma coupled with the presentation of a painful lump in the breast. Fat necrosis occurs when there is damage to the fat tissue, often as a result of direct trauma or surgery, leading to inflammation and the formation of a palpable mass. This condition is characterized by a firm, often painful lump and can sometimes be misdiagnosed as breast cancer due to its palpable nature and imaging appearance.

In patients with a history of trauma, fat necrosis typically occurs weeks to months later, which aligns with the timeline provided. Imaging studies may reveal areas of oil cysts or calcifications, but often, the diagnosis can be made based on the clinical history and examination findings. Importantly, fat necrosis is generally a benign condition and resolves over time, though it may require monitoring to rule out malignant processes.

Other options can present similarly but are less likely given the context. For example, fibroadenomas are typically smooth, firm, and asymptomatic lumps that do not usually follow trauma. Breast cancer can also produce lumps, but in this scenario, the timing and association with recent trauma favor fat necrosis. Cysts may occur in the breast but are generally not painful and are