Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat They AreCausesTypesDiagnosis
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What They Are
Causes
Types
Diagnosis
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. They typically aren’t painful, except when they develop in areas where they can be pinched, such as in your joints or tendons.
Calcification Causes
A few different things can cause calcium to build up in soft tissue. These include:
Types of Calcium Deposits
Calcium deposits can develop throughout the body but are more common in certain areas. These include:
Breast
Calcifications are common in the breasts and frequently found onmammograms. There are two main types of breast calcifications—microcalcificationsandmacrocalcifications.
Calcium deposits in the breasts that are not cancerous typically don’t require treatment. Other calcifications have a relatively easy fix, like tooth calcifications that only require a deep cleaning at the dentist’s office.
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.
These vascular calcifications can increase your risk of other health conditions, including:
Vascular calcifications can also lead tostenosisof heart valves. This means the valves can grow thicker, become stiff, or completely fuse closed.As a result, your heart has to work harder to deliver oxygen to the rest of your body, which can lead to other heart conditions. In some cases, damaged valves are surgically replaced.
There is no specific effective treatment for arterial calcifications.However, because this condition can lead to other heart-related issues, such as heart attack or stroke, your healthcare provider might prescribe medications or recommend lifestyle changes to help control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels—other risk factors for heart disease.
What foods break down calcium deposits?Some research suggests that foods high in potassium such as bananas and avocados may help reduce calcification in the arteries.
What foods break down calcium deposits?
Some research suggests that foods high in potassium such as bananas and avocados may help reduce calcification in the arteries.
Aortic Valve Stenosis
Pericardium
Thepericardiumis a sac around your heart that provides protection and decreases friction between your heart and other internal organs. Calcium deposits can form in the pericardium, but they are not as common as other types of calcifications.
Kidneys
Calcium deposits in the kidney cause a condition known asnephrocalcinosis.This relatively rare condition usually affects both kidneys at the same time.
The exact cause of kidney calcifications is unknown, but high levels of calcium in the urine—a condition calledhypercalciuria—have been shown to be a risk factor.
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. These include:
Calcifications in joints and tendons can cause inflammation, requiring anti-inflammatory medications and home remedies such as cold packs to reduce symptoms during a flare-up.
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.
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. These can develop as a side effect of aging or as a result of pathology, such as infections,vascular disease, metabolic disorders, diseases that affect theendocrine system, and several rare genetic conditions.
Intracranial calcifications can also occur with benignbrain tumorsorbrain cancer.
Calcium deposits can also form in blood vessels in the brain. This genetic condition, called primary familial brain calcification, can cause physical and psychological symptoms, depending on the affected area of the brain.
Teeth
Calcium deposits—commonly known as tartar or calculus—can 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.
However, the most common cause of calcifications in the pancreas is excessive alcohol consumption—defined as more than four drinks per day.Genetics also plays a role in increasing the risk of pancreatic calcifications from chronic pancreatitis, as does smoking.
Face and Skin
Calcinosis cutis isn’t always serious, but it can be an indication of a serious underlying health condition.
Diagnoses
Computed tomography, or CT, scan, can help diagnose calcifications in the internal organs, such as the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, brain, and pancreas.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)is also used. Calcifications in the joints or tendons often show up onX-rays.
Calcifications on the teeth can be seen without special imaging procedures.
Preventing CalcificationsUnfortunately, 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:Quit smoking.Use alcohol in moderation.Maintain a healthy weight.Avoid processed foods.Get adequate sleep.Practice stress management techniques.Exercise regularly.
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:Quit smoking.Use alcohol in moderation.Maintain a healthy weight.Avoid processed foods.Get adequate sleep.Practice stress management techniques.Exercise regularly.
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. They often affect structures such as the arteries, brain, kidneys, breasts, pancreas, heart, joints, tendons, and the surfaces of teeth.
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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