What are SAMA (Serum Amyloid A) bodies?

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Last updated: May 18, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

Psammoma bodies are concentric lamellated calcified structures that represent a process of dystrophic calcification or a biologically active process that aims at limiting the growth and spread of tumor. These structures are observed most commonly in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), meningioma, and papillary serous cystadenocarcinoma of ovary, but have rarely been reported in other neoplasms and nonneoplastic lesions 1. The formation of psammoma bodies remains a poorly understood mechanism, with ultrastructural studies suggesting that thickening of the base lamina in vascular stalk of neoplastic papillae followed by thrombosis, calcification, and tumor cell necrosis leads to their formation. Some key points about psammoma bodies include:

  • They are concentric lamellated calcified structures
  • They are observed in various types of tumors, including papillary thyroid carcinoma, meningioma, and papillary serous cystadenocarcinoma of ovary
  • Their formation is not fully understood, but may involve a biologically active process that limits tumor growth and spread
  • They may serve as a barrier against the spread of neoplasm 1. It is essential to note that the term "sama bodies" is not a recognized medical term, and it is possible that it refers to psammoma bodies, which are a well-established concept in pathology.

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