Case report of a patient with different types of calcifications in the head and neck region

Abstract

The deposition of calcium minerals in soft tissue leads to soft tissue calcification or ossification. Calcifications observed in the head and neck region are usually asymptomatic and are detected by chance during routine radiographic examinations. It is essential to identify and differentially diagnose these calcifications to determine appropriate treatment and identify any underlying systemic diseases that may be responsible. Conventional radiographs and advanced imaging techniques can be utilized to locate the calcifications and evaluate their local relationships with anatomical structures. Panoramic radiography is useful in detecting calcifications in the head and neck region but may be insufficient due to several limitations. This unique case report focuses on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of a patient with six different types of calcifications incidentally detected in the head and neck region during a dental examination. Localizations, similarities, and differences in calcification types were evaluated by 3D imaging.