Reproductive System, Female

Clitoral Gland - Mineralization

Narrative
Comment:

Clitoral gland mineralization can be secondary to necrosis or inflammation (i.e., dystrophic mineralization) or in an area of hemorrhage. The histologic appearance of mineralization is basophilic granular to crystalline aggregates of purple material evident in the ducts or acini of the clitoral gland (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Primary or metastatic mineralization is uncommon in the clitoral gland.

Recommendations:

Clitoral gland - Mineral should be diagnosed and graded when present in the absence of necrosis, inflammation, or hemorrhage (i.e., when it is primary or metastatic). Mineralization that is secondary to necrosis, inflammation, or hemorrhage (i.e., dystrophic mineralization) should not be diagnosed unless warranted by severity.

References:

National Toxicology Program. 1999. NTP TR-480. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Lauric Acid Diethanolamine Condensate (CAS No. 120-40-1) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Dermal Studies). NTP, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Abstract: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/9762
  • Image of mineral in the clitoral gland from a female F344/N rat in a chronic study

    Clitoral gland - Mineral in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. There is focal mineralization within a clitoral gland duct.

Enlarge Image
Enlarge All Images
Clitoral gland - Mineral in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. There is focal mineralization within a clitoral gland duct.
Clitoral gland - Mineral in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. There is focal mineralization within a clitoral gland duct.
Clitoral gland - Mineral in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). The basophilic crystalline material in a duct has an associated fibrous response.
Clitoral gland - Mineral in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). The basophilic crystalline material in a duct has an associated fibrous response.

Authors

Gabrielle Willson, BVMS, Dip RC Path, FRC Path, MRCVS
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Karen Y. Cimon, DVM, MS
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Gordon Flake, MD
Staff Scientist
NTP Pathologist
Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

Karen S. Regan, DVM, DABT, DACVP
Pathologist
Regan Path/Tox Services, Inc.
Ashland, OH  

Darlene Dixon, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Fellow, IATP
Group Leader, Molecular Pathogenesis Group
National Toxicology Program Laboratory
National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC