Calcium lumps are an unsightly and sometimes painful condition. They occur when too much calcium in the body is deposited in soft tissues or organs. It can cause a wide variety of symptoms and is not always easy to diagnose. Often, they are just white bumps on the skin or under the skin.
Several conditions can lead to calcification. These include autoimmune disorders, accidents and dental injuries. Some are benign and may not require treatment, but others can be a sign of more serious health problems. In any case, a visit to your doctor is a good idea.
The symptoms associated with calcification can range from mild to severe. For instance, if you have a calcium deposit in the mouth, it can cause pain in the area. This can limit your ability to chew, speak and breathe properly. If you have a calcium deposit on your fingers, it can cause swelling and discomfort. Depending on the size and location of the calcification, you can have it removed or treated.
There are several different types of calcinosis, including dystrophic calcinosis and familial hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis. Dystrophic calcinosis, which is the most common form of calcification, occurs when a person has a weakened or damaged soft tissue. Affected individuals can develop calcium deposits, which are often white or yellow, and can appear anywhere on the body.
Familial hyperphosphatemic tumoral calcinosis, which is the earliest form of calcification, is a disease that causes the buildup of calcium phosphate in the body. Calcinosis is often accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, such as puffiness in the hands and feet, mental instability and body pain.
While there is no sure-fire way to prevent calcium deposits from occurring, a healthy lifestyle and regular visits to the doctor can help you keep your bones, teeth, gums and other organs healthy. Additionally, taking certain vitamins, such as vitamin D, can prevent calcium from accumulating in the body. You should also consider getting regular screenings for breast cancer. During a mammogram, your healthcare provider may notice that you have a calcium deposit. Depending on the findings, you may be prescribed a blood test to determine how much calcium is in your body, or you may have to undergo imaging tests.
As with other diseases, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of action for you. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may need surgery. Small calcium lumps on the face may be able to be removed by your dentist. However, larger deposits will require an open surgery.
Calcinosis is one of the more painful scleroderma symptoms. Patients who have it often experience a variety of other symptoms, such as telangiectasia, which is the appearance of small blood vessels on the skin.
Other symptoms of calcinosis include white, solid calcium deposits under the skin. Those may be hard to see, but they are visible on an X-ray. Usually, these lumps are less than a quarter inch in diameter. Although they are painful, they are usually not painful enough to cause a visit to the emergency room.
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