Cryoablation for a fibroadenoma may cause which complication?

Cryoablation for a fibroadenoma may cause which complication?

• A. Lymphedema
• B. Scar or fat necrosis
• C. Hyperpigmentation
• D. Hair loss

Answer: (B)

Cryoablation destroys tissue by freezing, and in the breast the cold can extend beyond the fibroadenoma to surrounding fat and connective tissue. This injury to subcutaneous fat leads to fat necrosis and subsequent scar formation, which are well-recognized complications of this procedure. The resulting scarring can feel firm or misshapen and may have imaging findings that mimic other problems, so patients and clinicians monitor accordingly. Lymphedema would require disruption of lymphatic drainage, which isn’t a typical result of percutaneous breast cryoablation; hyperpigmentation and hair loss aren’t common or characteristic complications of this treatment.

Cryoablation destroys tissue by freezing, and in the breast the cold can extend beyond the fibroadenoma to surrounding fat and connective tissue. This injury to subcutaneous fat leads to fat necrosis and subsequent scar formation, which are well-recognized complications of this procedure. The resulting scarring can feel firm or misshapen and may have imaging findings that mimic other problems, so patients and clinicians monitor accordingly. Lymphedema would require disruption of lymphatic drainage, which isn’t a typical result of percutaneous breast cryoablation; hyperpigmentation and hair loss aren’t common or characteristic complications of this treatment.