Calcium deposits can occur anywhere in the body. They most often occur where there has been prior injury, infection, or inflammation. Calcium deposits can also be seen with some types of cancer. When calcium deposits are seen within the breast on a mammogram or within the lungs on a chest X-ray, the pattern of calcium guides the radiologist's interpretation of the finding. Certain patterns suggest a benign process while other patterns are worrisome for a cancer.
Calcium deposits in the prostate (called prostatic calcifications) are usually discovered when men have a rectal ultrasound performed. Sometimes they can be seen on a plain X-ray of the pelvis. Prostatic calcifications, no matter what the pattern, do not increase the risk of prostate cancer. But their presence does not exclude the possibility of cancer. An elevated PSA, a prostate nodule felt by the doctor on rectal exam, or other abnormalities on prostate ultrasound will determine the need for further evaluation and possible biopsy.
By the way, dietary calcium does not influence the formation of prostatic calcifications.
