[Tumoral calcinosis--an independent disease?]

Tumoral calcinosis has up to date been considered as an independent disease. The survey of the literature shows that only its clinical and radiological appearance are generally accepted while its epidemiology and etiology are still under discussion. A genetical disorder, recurrent soft tissue microtrauma or terminal renal failure are blamed to cause tumoral calcinosis. All these causes may lead to localized or generalized disturbance of the calcium-phosphate-metabolism which in turn causes tumoral calcinosis. Therefore tumoral calcinosis should be regarded as a rare symptom of a metabolic disorder rather than an independent disease. Clinical appearance and treatment of two cases of tumoral calcinosis are reported followed by a review of the literature.