What is Calcification?
Calcification is a build-up of insoluble calcium salts in different parts of the body where they interfere with normal functioning. These deposits are most noticeable in and around the joints, but are also found in the arteries, kidneys, heart valves, nerve sheaths, gall bladder (as stones), glands, the middle ear, and even the brain. These salts can be deposited anywhere in the body, but are most likely to be noticed where they cause trouble or are observed on X-rays. ARTHRITIS: the most common illness caused by CALCIFICATION: It results from calcium deposits settling in and around the joints. Calcium salts sticking to the synovial membranes or moving surfaces of a joint rougher than these highly sensitive surfaces cause the joint to become inflamed and make movements very painful. As the build-up progresses, mobility of the joint decreases until finally the deposits on the two joint surfaces come together to fuse the joint. This process of fusion is called ankylosis. At this stage, t
Calcification refers to the buildup of calcium or calcium salts in tissues where it does not belong. This often results in the hardening of the tissue, which can have unpleasant or dangerous results. It is most common for calcification to occur in the breast tissue, in the aortic valve of the heart, and in the coronary arteries. Tissue which is dead or degenerated can also be affected by calcification. In breast tissue, calcification is a relatively common process characterized by the formation of calcium deposits. This can be caused by simple aging, inflammation, or by a foreign object in the tissue, such as implants or sutures. Two main forms of calcification happen in breast tissue: macrocalcifications and microcalcifications. The former are commonly a result of the degeneration of breast tissue that occurs with age, and are not usually a cause for concern. These deposits are coarse in texture, generally presenting in women over 50 years of age. As their name suggests, microcalcific
