Calcified Lymph Node
A calcified lymph node is a lymph node that has developed calcium deposits within its tissue, typically as a result of previous infection or inflammation that has healed. These calcifications appear as dense, white spots on imaging studies and generally represent a benign, inactive process from past exposure to certain infections or inflammatory conditions.
What is it?
Calcified lymph nodes are lymph nodes that contain calcium deposits, creating hardened areas within the lymphatic tissue. This calcification occurs when the body’s immune response to an infection or inflammatory process leads to the deposition of calcium salts in the affected lymph node. The process is similar to scar formation and represents the end stage of healing from a previous inflammatory event.
These calcifications are common incidental findings on imaging studies, particularly chest CT scans where they appear in 5-10% of examinations. The most frequent causes include previous infections with tuberculosis, histoplasmosis (a fungal infection common in certain geographic regions), or other granulomatous diseases. Calcified lymph nodes can occur in various locations including the chest (mediastinal and hilar regions), abdomen, neck, and axilla. They are typically discovered years or even decades after the initial infection has resolved.
Important to Know
Calcified lymph nodes are almost always benign and indicate old, healed infections rather than active disease. They do not require treatment and are not contagious. However, it’s important for radiologists to distinguish calcified lymph nodes from other conditions. While calcification in lymph nodes typically suggests a benign process, certain patterns of calcification or associated findings may warrant further evaluation to rule out other conditions such as treated lymphoma, sarcoidosis, or rarely, metastatic disease from certain cancers (like thyroid or mucinous adenocarcinomas). Your radiologist will assess the pattern, distribution, and clinical context to ensure accurate interpretation.