Psammoma body

Psammoma body is a round, concentrically calcified structure that can be found in various parts of the body. They are most commonly associated with certain types of cancer, including ovarian cancer, thyroid cancer, and meningiomas. However, they can also be found in benign conditions such as papillary hidradenoma and mesothelioma.

Overview

Psammoma bodies are microscopic calcifications that are often found in certain types of tumors. They are named after the Greek word for sand, "psammos", due to their sandy appearance under the microscope. Psammoma bodies are typically found in papillary carcinoma of the thyroid, serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary, meningioma, and malignant mesothelioma of the pleura.

Pathology

Psammoma bodies are formed by the process of apoptosis, or programmed cell death. This process leads to the release of calcium ions, which combine with phosphate ions to form calcium phosphate crystals. These crystals then accumulate in concentric layers, forming the characteristic appearance of a psammoma body.

Clinical significance

The presence of psammoma bodies in a tissue sample can be a significant finding in the diagnosis of certain types of cancer. They are particularly associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma, where they are found in up to 50% of cases. They are also commonly found in serous carcinoma of the ovary and meningiomas. However, the presence of psammoma bodies is not diagnostic of any particular condition, as they can also be found in a variety of benign conditions.

See also

• Calcification
• Apoptosis
• Cancer

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Psammoma body

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  Meningioma showing Psammoma body
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  Psammomatous melanotic schwannoma - very high magnification