Question

A 38-year-old man has a health screening exam. He has a routine chest X-ray that shows a 2 cm nodule in the right lower lobe. The nodule has focal calcifications. A wedge resection of the nodule is done. On microscopic examination, the nodule shows caseous necrosis and calcification. Which of the following processes explains the appearance of the calcium deposition?

Option 1: Granulomatous inflammation.
Option 2: Fat necrosis.
Option 3: Coagulative necrosis.
Option 4: Liquefactive necrosis.

Answer 1

The appearance of calcium deposition in the case described is explained by granulomatous inflammation. Granulomatous inflammation is a type of chronic inflammation characterized by the formation of granulomas. This occurs in response to an infection or other immune response, and can lead to the deposition of calcium and other minerals. Therefore, the correct option is 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appearance of calcium deposition in the case described is explained by granulomatous inflammation. Granulomatous inflammation is a type of chronic inflammation characterized by the formation of granulomas, which are composed of macrophages, lymphocytes, and other immune cells. In this case, the presence of caseous necrosis and calcification suggests the development of a granuloma in response to an infection or other immune response.

In tuberculosis and histoplasmosis, for example, granulomas form around infectious agents, leading to the deposition of calcium and other minerals. This hinders the spread of the infection but can also lead to the development of fibrosis and scarring.