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Clitoral Gland - Mineralization

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.
Figure 1 of 2
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 (higher magnification of Figure 1). The basophilic crystalline material in a duct has an associated fibrous response.
Figure 2 of 2
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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 1image opens in a pop-up window and Figure 2image opens in a pop-up window ). Primary or metastatic mineralization is uncommon in the clitoral gland.

recommendation:

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