Calcification is the process in which the mineral calcium builds up in soft tissue, causing it to harden. Calcifications may be classified on whether there is mineral balance or not, and the location of the calcification.

Mineral balance

• Dystrophic calcification, without a systemic mineral imbalance.
• Metastatic calcification, a systemic elevation calcium levels in the blood and all tissues.

Location

• Skeletal calcification
• Extraskeletal calcification
• e.g. calciphylaxis

See also

• Monckeberg's arteriosclerosis