calcification (redirected from ectopic oral calcification)

calcification /cal·ci·fi·ca·tion/ (kal″sĭ-fĭ-ka´shun) the deposit of calcium salts in a tissue.

---

dystrophic calcification  the deposition of calcium in abnormal tissue, such as scar tissue or atherosclerotic plaques, without abnormalities of blood calcium.

eggshell calcification  deposition of a thin layer of calcium around a thoracic lymph node, often seen in silicosis.

Mönckeberg's calcification  see under arteriosclerosis.

---

cal·ci·fi·ca·tion (kls-f-kshn)

n.

1. Impregnation with calcium or calcium salts. Also called calcareous infiltration.

2. Hardening, as of tissue, by such impregnation.

3. A calcified substance or part.

---

calcification

Etymology: L, calx + facere, to make

the accumulation of calcium salts in tissues. Normally, about 99% of all the calcium entering the human body is deposited in the bones and teeth; the remaining 1% is dissolved in body fluids such as blood. Disorders affecting the delicate balance between calcium and other minerals, parathyroid hormone, and vitamin D can result in calcium deposits in arteries, kidneys, lung alveoli, and other tissues, interfering with normal organ function. See also calcitonin, calcium, calculus. calcific, adj.

---

calcification (kal´sifikā´shn),

n the process whereby calcium salts are deposited in an organic matrix. The condition may be normal, as in bone and tooth formation, or pathologic.

n the pathologic deposition of calcium salts in necrotic or degenerated tissues.

calcification, ectopic oral,

n the displaced accumulation of hardened calcium salts in the oral cavity; stones found in pulp or saliva. See also salivary stone and denticle.

calcification, metastatic,

n the pathologic deposition of calcium salts in previously undamaged tissues. This process is caused by an excessively high level of blood calcium, such as in the hyperparathyroid.

---

calcification

the deposit of calcium salts in a tissue. The normal absorption of calcium is facilitated by parathyroid hormone and by vitamin D. In poisoning with calcinogenic glycosides and when there are increased amounts of parathyroid hormone in the blood (as in hyperparathyroidism), there is deposition of calcium in the soft tissue. (In hyperparathyroidism secondary to renal disease there is deposition in the alveoli of the lungs, the renal tubules, beneath the parietal pleura, the gastric mucosa, and the arterial walls.) Normally calcium is deposited in the bone matrix to insure stability and strength of the bone. In osteomalacia there is an excess of unmineralized osteoid because the aged well-mineralized bone is replaced by a matrix that is inadequately mineralized.

---

dystrophic calcification

the deposition of calcium in abnormal tissue without abnormalities of blood calcium.

metastatic calcification

deposition of calcium in tissues as a result of abnormalities of calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood and tissue fluids.

nutritional calcification

calcification in soft tissues as a result of an increased intake of calcium.

soft tissue calcification

see metastatic calcification (above), dystrophic calcification (above).

---

calcification

Medtalk The deposition of calcium in tissues

---

Patient discussion about ectopic oral calcification.

Q. Please let me know what is breast calcification? My mom aged 52 years is diagnosed with breast cancer and is suffering for the past 5 years. I am scared too as I know that possibility of breast cancer is also linked genetically. The mammogram report shows some white spots on mammogram. But it has been recorded as breast calcifications. Doctor advised me not to worry as this has got no relevance to breast cancer. Please let me know what is breast calcification?

A. These are tiny calcium deposits in the breast tissue. You can not touch or feel breast calcifications. To know about them the only way is by mammogram. They are usually not cancerous but in some forms like tight clusters with irregular shapes can indicate breast cancer. There are two main types: microcalfications and macrocalfications. But if your doctor says that they pose no threat then I am sure you have nothing to worry about. Just follow his advices.