Tumoral calcinosis in an infant

B. Bostrom

Tumoral calcinosis is a disease characterized by large, calcified, painless masses, usually near joints, in otherwise healthy children and young adults. Biochemical findings are normal except for an association with hyperphosphatemia. A familial and racial predisposition is seen, with most cases affecting blacks. This disease is believed to represent an unknown inherited abnormality in phosphate metabolism. Because of the tendency of the masses to recur after incomplete excision, the recommended treatment is early and complete excision. Phosphate binders may be useful in certain cases.