They occur when calcium builds up in soft tissues, where it isn’t supposed to be.
Calcium deposits are also called calcification.
They can cause the affected soft tissues to harden, which may interfere with their function.
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What Are Calcifications?
Calcifications, orcalciumdeposits, are hard nodules that grow as calcium builds up in soft tissue.
Calcification Causes
A few different things can cause calcium to build up in soft tissue.
These include:
Breast
Calcifications are common in the breasts and frequently found onmammograms.
There are two main types of breast calcificationsmicrocalcificationsandmacrocalcifications.
Calcium deposits in the breasts that are not cancerous typically don’t require treatment.
Arteries
Calcium deposits can form in blood vessels throughout the body, includingarteries of the heart.
They can also develop in the valves between thechambers of your heart.
Calcifications in arteries often occur as part of the natural aging process.
In some cases, damaged valves are surgically replaced.
What foods break down calcium deposits?
Calcium deposits can form in the pericardium, but they are not as common as other types of calcifications.
Pericardium calcifications are often caused bypericarditisinflammation of the pericardiumwhich can occur in people with heart failure.
Somekidney stonescan also be made up of calcium.
These may or may not require treatment.Small stones can pass out of the body through your urine.
Large stones can cause significant pain and sometimes get stuck along the path to leave the body.
A procedure calledshock wavelithotripsycan help break the stone into smaller passable pieces.
Rarely does this condition require surgery.
Joints and Tendons
Calcium deposits can also form in your joints and tendons, causingcalcific tendinitis.
This condition often affects therotator cuff tendonsand has been identified as the primary cause of shoulder pain.
Calcific tendinitis most often affects people aged 30 to 50 and is more common in women than men.
This condition’s exact cause is unclear, but other medical conditions have been identified as possible risk factors.
Chronic pain from these calcium deposits may require treatment such as corticosteroid injections or surgery.
Other treatments such as laser therapy can dissolve calcium deposits in the body.
Do calcium deposits ever go away?
Calcific tendinitis can go away on its own without treatment.
Mild cases are usually treated conservatively with rest, pain medication, and physical therapy.
Brain
Calcium deposits in the brain are also calledintracranialcalcifications.
Intracranial calcifications can also occur with benignbrain tumorsorbrain cancer.
Calcium deposits can also form in blood vessels in the brain.
Teeth
Calcium depositscommonly known as tartar or calculuscan form on the surfaces of your teeth.
Throughout the day, bacteria builds up on the teeth, forming a film called plaque.
This film can be removed with proper brushing and flossing habits.
However, if it isn’t removed, it can eventually become calcifications.
To help prevent calcium deposits from forming on your teeth, brush at least twice daily and floss daily.
See your dental provider for a deep cleaning every six months to help remove calcium buildup from your teeth.
Pancreas
Yourpancreasis an internal organ that aids in digestion and produces important hormones in the body.
Calcifications can develop in this organ, particularly in people with chronicpancreatitisor pancreas inflammation.
They appear as small, hard lumps under the skin with a white or yellow color.
Calcinosis cutis isn’t always serious, but it can be an indication of a serious underlying health condition.
Diagnoses
Methods used for diagnosing calcifications depend on where the deposits are located.
For example, calcium deposits in the breasts are usually detected by a mammogram.
In some cases,ultrasoundmay be used as well.
Calcifications in the joints or tendons often show up onX-rays.
Calcifications on the teeth can be seen without special imaging procedures.
Preventing Calcifications
Unfortunately, there’s no proven way to prevent calcifications.
However, healthy lifestyle behaviors can help reduce your risk of conditions that result from calcium deposits.
Try these tips:
Summary
Calcifications are calcium deposits that can form throughout the body.
Calcifications are diagnosed with imaging, including X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI.
Treatment depends on the location of the deposit.
Some calcifications, such as benign breast calcium deposits, don’t need treatment.
Others, such as calcifications in tendons that are causing pain, may require surgery.
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