What does osseous metaplasia mean?

Osseous metaplasia is defined by the presence of heterotopic normal bone tissue in a soft tissue. The bone matrix is associated with osteoblasts, osteoclasts, adipocytes and haematopoietic stem cells.

Can thyroid goiters become cancerous?

A large thyroid goiter can push on the other structures in the neck causing symptoms discussed on this page. Thyroid goiters are usually made up of multiple thyroid nodules. Occasionally one of the thyroid nodules contained in the thyroid goiter is cancerous.

What percentage of thyroid goiters are cancerous?

While most thyroid nodules are non-cancerous (Benign), ~5% are cancerous.

What percentage of multinodular goiters are cancerous?

Up to 20 percent of people with multinodular goiters will also develop thyroid cancer. Approximately 1.2 percent of the general population in the United States will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer at some point in their life, so multinodular goiters do increase your odds of developing this type of cancer.

Is osseous metaplasia reversible?

Metaplasia is the reversible substitution of one type of fully differentiated cell for another within a given tissue [13]. The most common type is the conversion from squamous to glandular cells and vice versa [14]. Heterotrophic ossification, or OM, is transformation of nonosseous soft tissue into bone.

What is cartilaginous metaplasia?

Cartilaginous metaplasia was defined as the presence of chondrocytes in lacunae within a collagenous mucopolysaccharide–rich matrix in aortic wall or valve attachments. Mice were considered positive if cartilage and/or calcium deposits were observed in the aortic wall in one or more sections.

Is a goiter serious?

Goiters are relatively common. They are prevalent in about 5% of people in the United States. A goiter is typically not dangerous, unless the underlying cause of thyroid enlargement is a thyroid cancer. It is important to identify the cause of the goiter to rule out cancer.

Should a multinodular goiter be removed?

Most patients need no treatment. Occasionally, surgery to remove all or most of the thyroid can be carried out, particularly if a multinodular goitre is large and the patient feels it is unsightly. However, removing a normally functioning gland can leave a patient requiring thyroxine for life.

Should a multinodular goiter be biopsied?

If a multinodular goiter has a predominant nodule, the predominant nodule should be biopsied. In conclusion, FNA of the thyroid is a safe, inexpensive, and effective way to distinguish a benign from a malignant nodule and usually should be the first diagnostic test performed.

What causes osseous metaplasia?

Osseous metapla- sia most likely occurs by osteoblasts differentiating from fibroblasts secondary to inflammation, tissue damage, or substances such as bone morphogenetic proteins released from neoplastic cells. Osseous metaplasia could also be caused by dystrophic calcification in necrotic tissue.