Pathology of Calcinosis Cutis

Dr Sampurna Roy MD                            2022

The following are some important conditions characterized by deposition of calcium in the dermis: 

-Subepidermal Calcified Nodule:

These are solitary lesions.

Site: Head, ear, extremities.  

Age: Usually young children ; sometimes in adults.

-Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis:

Rare benign condition.

Site: Scrotal skin.

Age: Children or young adults.

Clinical presentation: Present as single or multiple hard, yellowish asymptomatic nodules.

These lesions increase in size and number and sometimes break down to discharge chalky material.

- Tumoral Calcinosis:

Idiopathic condition. Characterized by large deposits of calcium in the subcutis. Located on large joints.

- Dystrophic Calcification:

Dystrophic calcification is the most common type of calcinosis cutis and is associated with a variety of diseases.

It usually occurs in connective tissue diseases.

- Metastatic Calcification:

Patients may have hypercalcemia with primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Deposits are noted in the deep dermis or subcutaneous tissue.

Common sites: Axillae, abdomen, medial part of thigh.