]> 2026-07-31T09:41:35+00:00 WBR0863 0 en Tumor cell proliferation This is not the mechanism involved in the formation of psammoma bodies. Tumor cell apoptosis and structured accumulation This is not the mechanism involved in the formation of psammoma bodies. Apoptosis is usually inhibited in tumor cells. Tumor cell destruction by the activated T-cells This is not the mechanism involved in the formation of psammoma bodies. Tumor cell de-differentiation and invasion This is not the mechanism involved in the formation of psammoma bodies. Tumor cell necrosis with dystrophic calcification Psammoma bodies are calcium structures formed due to tumor cell necrosis and dystrophic calcification. Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the lung pleura associated with exposure to asbestos. Typically patients present with dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and weight loss. Patients can also have significant pleural effusions that are often hemorrhagic. Pathologically the tumor begins as discrete thickened plaques along the pleura that eventually coalesce into a single neoplasm. A characteristic finding in mesothelioma is psammoma bodies. Psammoma bodies are whorl shaped structures composed of calcium that are the result of tumor cell necrosis with associated dystrophic calcification. Psammoma bodies can be seen in other tumors as well including papillary thyroid carcinoma, ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, and meningioma. Tumors that cause psammoma bodies are memorized by the mnemonic '''PSaMMoma''': Papillary thyroid cancer - Serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovaries - Meningioma - Mesothelioma<br/> '''Educational Objective:''' Psammoma bodies are formed due to tumor cell necrosis and dystrophic calcification.<br/> '''References:''' Kubota T, Sato K, Yamamoto S, Hirano A. Ultrastructural study of the formation of psammoma bodies in fibroblastic meningioma. J Neurosurg. 1984;60(3):512-7. Pathology E Pulmonology 2020-10-28T01:55:08Z 2459150.5799537 WBR0863