Calcification

Calcification is the process in which calcium salts build up in soft tissue, causing it to harden. Calcifications may be classified on whether there is mineral balance or not, and the location of the calcification.

Mineral balance

Dystrophic calcification, without a systemic mineral imbalance.
Metastatic calcification, a systemic elevation of calcium levels in the blood and all tissues.

Location

Skeletal calcification
Extraskeletal calcification
e.g. calciphylaxis
Brain (e.g. Fahr's syndrome)

Pattern

Patterns of calcifications may indicate pathological processes. Laminated appearance suggests granulomatous disease while popcorn calcification indicate hamartoma. Malignant lesions may have stippled or eccentric lesions.

Translation

The word "Calcification" occurs as such in the following languages: English, French.

Translation(s) in other languages: Italian: Calcificazione, Japanese: 石灰化.