SYMPTOMS

What are calcifications?

Calcifications are lesions formed by calcium salt deposits. They typically occur when chronic inflammation (such as abscesses, tuberculosis, or parasites), trauma, hematoma formation, or malignant tumors cause tissue cell necrosis. During the repair process of necrotic tissue cells, calcium salts deposit, leading to calcifications after healing. In some cases, calcifications may also result from localized tissue necrosis, forming scar fibrosis, followed by calcium salt deposition.

Where do calcifications commonly appear?

Calcifications can occur in various parts of the body, with common locations including the lungs, liver, kidneys, prostate, breasts, and thyroid.

What are the different manifestations of calcifications in different areas?

• Liver: Liver calcifications are usually detected during physical examinations, and most patients have no symptoms.
• Lungs: Most lung calcifications are caused by inflammation or tuberculosis, and the majority of patients are asymptomatic. Some may experience chest tightness or discomfort.
• Kidneys: Kidney calcifications generally show no obvious symptoms, though some may be accompanied by hematuria.
• Prostate: Most patients have no noticeable symptoms, but some may experience difficulty urinating, painful urination, increased nighttime urination, or pain in the lower abdomen and perineum.
• Breasts: Most patients are asymptomatic, but those with primary breast conditions may experience breast tenderness, stabbing pain, nipple discharge, or even breast lumps.
• Thyroid: Larger calcifications may cause neck swelling, a sensation of a foreign body in the neck, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing.

TREATMENT

How to Treat Calcification?

• Medication

Calcification itself usually does not require treatment. However, if the primary infectious disease remains untreated, anti-infection therapy may be necessary:

1. Anti-infective drugs: For bacterial infections, lung infections, prostatitis, etc., antibiotics such as levofloxacin, cefazolin, or ceftriaxone may be used. For calcification caused by tuberculosis, anti-tuberculosis drugs like isoniazid, rifampicin, or ethambutol may be prescribed. Common antifungal drugs include itraconazole and voriconazole.
2. Analgesics: If accompanied by joint pain, analgesics such as ibuprofen may be used to relieve symptoms.

• Surgical Treatment
  Generally, calcification does not require surgery. However, if it occurs in tendons and causes pain or restricted movement, surgical removal may be needed. Similarly, if a tumor is present, the appropriate surgical approach should be selected based on tumor size and location.
• Radiation Therapy
  For calcification caused by tumors, radiation therapy may be used to control tumor growth and effectively manage the condition.
• Chemotherapy
  For tumor-related calcification, chemotherapy drugs such as cytarabine, cyclophosphamide, or methotrexate may also be administered.

DIAGNOSIS

What methods can be used to examine calcifications?

Diagnosing calcifications primarily involves imaging examinations. Some calcifications require additional auxiliary tests to identify specific diseases. Common examinations include:

X-ray: A method that uses X-rays to visualize the internal structures of the body, allowing detection of the number of calcifications. It is particularly effective for identifying calcifications in areas such as the breast.

Ultrasound: A technique that utilizes sound wave transmission and reflection within the body to examine organs. It can better detect tiny calcifications and their quantity, which may not be visible on X-rays. This method is commonly used for areas like the prostate, thyroid, liver, and kidneys^[1,2,3]. Color Doppler ultrasound can also differentiate between intrahepatic bile duct stones and calcifications^[4].

CT: A commonly used and advanced imaging examination in clinical practice. It can further assess the presence of malignancies, such as tumors in the thyroid or prostate, with greater ease.

Thyroid function test: Determines whether the patient has abnormal thyroid function.

Blood test: A basic blood examination that helps check for infections or inflammatory reactions.

Other tests, such as C-reactive protein testing and urinalysis, may also be used to examine calcifications or assist in diagnosing specific diseases.

What should I do if calcifications appear on the medical report?

If the report indicates the presence of calcifications in an organ, regular follow-up examinations are usually necessary. If the underlying disease has not been resolved, active treatment for the primary condition should be pursued.

POTENTIAL DISEASES

What Causes Calcifications?

The etiology of calcifications is complex and may be related to the following factors:

• Tumor factors: Necrotic tumor cells release tissue fluid, leading to calcium salt deposition and calcification formation;
• Infection factors: Aseptic inflammation or bacterial infections cause cell damage, resulting in calcium salt deposition during healing and calcification formation;
• Hematoma formation: The mechanism of hematoma calcification remains unclear but may involve dehydration, fibrosis, and subsequent calcification;
• Tissue necrosis: Viral infections in areas like the lungs or prostate can trigger fibrosis, progressing to necrosis and eventual calcification if untreated.

What Diseases Might Calcifications Indicate in Different Areas?

• Breast: May suggest breast cancer or cysts;
• Prostate: May indicate chronic prostatitis or hyperplasia;
• Lungs: May signal tuberculosis or parasitic infections;
• Thyroid: May point to nodules or benign/malignant tumors;
• Liver: May reflect trauma, hemorrhage, granulomas, or abscesses;
• Kidneys: May suggest stones, renal papillary diseases, or tumors.