Psammoma bodies

Last revised by Joshua Yap on 6 May 2024

Psammoma bodies are round microscopic calcific collections. It is a form of dystrophic calcification. Necrotic cells form the focus for surrounding calcific deposition. They have a lamellated concentric calcified structure, sometimes large enough to be seen on CT. 

Psammoma bodies are found in a diverse group of tumours which include:

History and etymology

The term is derived from the Ancient Greek psámmos meaning "sand" and ōma meaning "tumour", hence "sand tumour" 4.

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