Calcifications

Calcifications

Calcifications (/kælsɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz/) are deposits of calcium that can form in various parts of the body. They are often harmless, but can sometimes indicate underlying medical conditions such as cancer or infection.

Etymology

The term "calcification" comes from the Latin calcis (lime) and facere (to make). It refers to the process of deposition of calcium salts in a body tissue.

Types of Calcifications

There are two main types of calcifications: dystrophic and metastatic.

• Dystrophic calcification is the most common type and occurs in damaged or dead tissues.
• Metastatic calcification is less common and occurs in normal tissues, due to high levels of calcium in the blood.

Causes

Calcifications can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Aging
• Inflammation
• Injury
• Autoimmune disorders
• Certain genetic disorders
• Certain metabolic disorders

Diagnosis

Calcifications are often discovered during medical imaging tests, such as X-ray, CT scan, or mammogram. Further tests may be needed to determine the cause of the calcifications.

Treatment

Treatment for calcifications depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, no treatment is needed. If the calcifications are causing symptoms or are due to a serious condition, treatment may include medication, surgery, or other therapies.

Related Terms

• Calcium
• Dystrophic calcification
• Metastatic calcification
• Medical imaging
• X-ray
• CT scan
• Mammogram

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Calcifications
• Wikipedia's article - Calcifications

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