What does lesion calcification mean

Many older people who go to the hospital for physical examinations are told that they have calcified lesions. As the name suggests, lesion calcification refers to the calcification of the diseased part of the human body. So what exactly is calcification? This can be understood as the presence of calcium in some tissues (except teeth and bones). Let’s understand what lesion calcification means?

1. What exactly is calcification?

In fact, the so-called calcification refers to the appearance of calcium in human tissues other than bones and teeth (rich in calcium), which indicates systemic or local diseases. For example, breast or thyroid tumors or inflammation can cause local calcification; prostate calcification is often related to inflammation; hyperparathyroidism causes calcium deposition in many parts of the body (kidney stones, vascular calcification, etc.).

2. What is calcification of pulmonary tuberculosis?

Normal lung tissue is composed of alveoli, lymphatic capillaries, bronchioles, etc., and is pink in color. If a considerable number of highly virulent tuberculosis bacteria invade the lung tissue and grow and multiply inside, producing metabolic products that damage the lung tissue and create a substance like spoiled cheese, causing the normal structure and physiological functions to disappear, this is medically called caseous necrosis. Necrotic matter is acidic and difficult to liquefy and absorb, and can exist for a long time. When the body's resistance is strong or after chemotherapy, the metabolism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the caseous lesions is reduced, the reproductive ability is weakened, the lesions lose water and become dry, and calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate are deposited to form calcification. Therefore, calcification of the lesions can be seen on chest CT or X-rays.

3. Does calcification of tuberculosis really mean cure?

Strictly speaking, calcification of pulmonary tuberculosis can only be considered a clinical cure, which does not mean a true cure. Because there are still dormant tuberculosis bacteria under the calcification focus, but these bacteria pose no threat to the human body in a dormant state. Calcification is the equivalent of locking a criminal in a cage for life, but there is still a possibility of escape. Therefore, you also need to pay attention to maintaining your physical health. Once your immunity drops sharply, there is also the possibility of relapse.