A psammoma body is a round collection of
calcium
Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. As an alkaline earth metal, calcium is a reactive metal that forms a dark oxide-nitride layer when exposed to air. Its physical and chemical properties are most similar t ...
, seen microscopically. The term is derived from the Greek word ψάμμος (''psámmos''), meaning "
sand
Sand is a granular material composed of finely divided mineral particles. Sand has various compositions but is defined by its grain size. Sand grains are smaller than gravel and coarser than silt. Sand can also refer to a textural class o ...
".
Cause
Psammoma bodies are associated with the
papillary
Papilla (Latin, 'nipple') or papillae may refer to:
In animals
* Papilla (fish anatomy), in the mouth of fish
* Basilar papilla, a sensory organ of lizards, amphibians and fish
* Dental papilla, in a developing tooth
* Dermal papillae, part of ...
(nipple-like)
histomorphology
Morphology, from the Greek and meaning "study of shape", may refer to:
Disciplines
* Morphology (archaeology), study of the shapes or forms of artifacts
* Morphology (astronomy), study of the shape of astronomical objects such as nebulae, galaxies ...
and are thought to arise from,
#
Infarction
Infarction is tissue death ( necrosis) due to inadequate blood supply to the affected area. It may be caused by artery blockages, rupture, mechanical compression, or vasoconstriction. The resulting lesion is referred to as an infarct
(from th ...
and
calcification
Calcification is the accumulation of calcium salts in a body tissue. It normally occurs in the formation of bone, but calcium can be deposited abnormally in soft tissue,Miller, J. D. Cardiovascular calcification: Orbicular origins. ''Nature Ma ...
of papillae tips.
# Calcification of intralymphatic tumor thrombi.
Association with lesions
Psammoma bodies are commonly seen in certain tumors such as:
*
Papillary thyroid carcinoma
Papillary thyroid cancer or papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common type of thyroid cancer, representing 75 percent to 85 percent of all thyroid cancer cases.Chapter 20 in: 8th edition. It occurs more frequently in women and presents in th ...
* Papillary
renal cell carcinoma
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a kidney cancer that originates in the lining of the Proximal tubule, proximal convoluted tubule, a part of the very small tubes in the kidney that transport primary urine. RCC is the most common type of kidney cance ...
* Ovarian
papillary serous cystadenoma and cystadenocarcinoma
*
Endometrial adenocarcinomas (Papillary serous carcinoma ~3%-4%)
*
Meningiomas, in the central nervous system
*
Peritoneal
The peritoneum is the serous membrane forming the lining of the abdominal cavity or coelom in amniotes and some invertebrates, such as annelids. It covers most of the intra-abdominal (or coelomic) organs, and is composed of a layer of meso ...
and
Pleural Mesothelioma
*
Somatostatinoma
Somatostatinomas are a tumor of the delta cells of the endocrine pancreas that produces somatostatin. Increased levels of somatostatin inhibit pancreatic hormones and gastrointestinal hormones. Thus, somatostatinomas are associated with mild diabet ...
(pancreas)
*
Prolactinoma
A prolactinoma is a tumor ( adenoma) of the pituitary gland that produces the hormone prolactin. It is the most common type of functioning pituitary tumor. Symptoms of prolactinoma are due to abnormally high levels of prolactin in the blood (hyp ...
of the pituitary
*
Glucagonoma
Glucagonoma is a very rare tumor of the pancreatic alpha cells that results in the overproduction of the hormone, glucagon. Typically associated with a rash called necrolytic migratory erythema, weight loss, and mild diabetes mellitus, most people ...
* Micropapillary subtype of
Lung Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma of the lung is the most common type of lung cancer, and like other forms of lung cancer, it is characterized by distinct cellular and molecular features. It is classified as one of several non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), to d ...
Benign lesions
Psammoma bodies may be seen in:
*
Endosalpingiosis
* Psammomatous melanotic schwannoma
* Melanocytic nevus
[Rapini, Ronald. ''Practical Dermatopathology''. Elsevier Mosby, 2005, p. 10.]
Appearance
Psammoma bodies usually have a
laminar
Laminar means "flat". Laminar may refer to:
Terms in science and engineering:
* Laminar electronics or organic electronics, a branch of material sciences dealing with electrically conductive polymers and small molecules
* Laminar armour or "band ...
appearance, are circular, acellular and basophilic.
References
External links
Slides:
MeningiomaEndometriosis (peritoneum)Video of psammoma bodies in meningioma
Histopathology
{{pathology-stub