Learning Objective

Define psammoma bodies, recognize their histologic appearance, and identify tumors commonly associated with them.

Psammoma Bodies

Definition:

Psammoma bodies are concentrically laminated, calcified spherules formed by dystrophic calcification.

Histologic Appearance:

• Round, laminated structures
• Deeply basophilic on H&E stain due to calcium deposition
• Found within tumor tissue

Tumors Commonly Associated with Psammoma Bodies

Psammoma bodies are classically seen in the following neoplasms:

• Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid
• Papillary renal cell carcinoma
• Somatostatinoma
• Meningioma
• Mesothelioma
• Ovarian serous papillary cystadenocarcinoma
• Prolactinoma (“milk” tumor)

Activity