Calcicosis (kælˈsɪkoʊsɪs) is a medical term that refers to the pathological accumulation of calcium deposits in tissues or organs. The word is spelled "calcicosis" and its pronunciation is pronounced with a primary stress on the second syllable. The "c" in "calcicosis" is pronounced as a "k" sound to indicate the influence of the latin root "calc-" which refers to calcium. The "-osis" suffix is used to indicate a medical condition or abnormality. Therefore, calcicosis refers to the accumulation of calcium deposits in tissues, which could lead to health complications.
Calcicosis is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal deposition of calcium in various tissues and organs of the body. It is primarily associated with excessive calcium accumulation in soft tissues, leading to their hardening and impaired functionality. This condition can affect several regions, including blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, skin, and other soft tissues.
Calcicosis is often caused by a disruption in the normal balance of calcium metabolism in the body. This imbalance can be a result of various underlying factors, such as genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, or systemic diseases like kidney failure or hyperparathyroidism. Additionally, local tissue injury or damage can also trigger calcium deposition.
The symptoms of calcicosis can vary depending on the affected organs. Common signs may include pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, and organ dysfunction. For instance, in calciphylaxis, a severe form of calcicosis, painful skin ulcerations with necrosis and tissue death may occur.
The diagnosis of calcicosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies like X-rays or CT scans, as well as laboratory tests to assess calcium levels and other relevant markers. Treatment options for calcicosis primarily aim at addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms. These may involve dietary changes, medications to control calcium levels, and surgical interventions in certain cases.
In summary, calcicosis refers to the abnormal accumulation of calcium in various tissues and organs, causing their hardening and functional impairment. Prompt diagnosis and targeted management are crucial in preventing further complications and improving the individual's overall health.
Pneumonoconiosis from the inhalation of limestone dust; marble-cutter's phthisis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "calcicosis" does not have a distinct and widely recognized etymology. However, understanding the roots of the word can provide some insight. "Calcicosis" is a medical term that refers to the abnormal accumulation of calcium salts in tissues or organs, leading to potential health issues.
The term encompasses the root "calci-" which is derived from the Latin word "calcis", meaning "lime" or "calcium". The suffix "-osis" is of Greek origin and is used to denote a condition or abnormal state.
Therefore, the word "calcicosis" can be understood as a combination of "calcium" and "-osis", suggesting a condition involving the accumulation of calcium salts.