Patterns of Thyroid Calcification: Roentgenologic–Histologic Study of Excised Specimens

Psammoma bodies are present histologically in approximately half of thyroid cancers. These calcifications, producing a fine, hazy, nebular pattern, are frequently demonstrable on roentgenograms of good quality. They are usually distinguishable from the more common deposits of coarse calcium that are not associated specifically with malignant disease. Roentgenograms of 102 thyroidectomy specimens were obtained on industrial film. The appearance of calcium deposits was correlated with the histologic findings. Calcification was demonstrated roentgenologically in 52 specimens. Histologically, psammoma bodies were found in 10 glands, all of which were malignant. In 7 of these a psammomatous pattern was seen on the roentgenogram. Coarse and amorphous calcifications were present roentgenologically in 33 of 82 benign glands and in 12 of 20 carcinomas. These deposits bear no relationship to histologic diagnosis and occur in areas of fibrosis or old hemorrhage.