Calcifications on ovaries???

[sass123]

I had some pain on my right lower side and during a routine annual I asked my GYN to check it out.  She proceeded, and said she didn't feel anything out of the ordinary, but it was extremely tender for me and painful.  She scheduled me for an ultrasound and called me the next day stating that she wanted me to go for another ultrasound at the hospital.  She explained that I had many calcifications on my right ovary, and she wanted a closer look.  Does anyone know what causes these and what they mean?  Is that a fancy word for calcium deposits?  I've read a few other forum conversations that have made me nervous, talking about having to remove the ovary!  Do calcifications generally lead to cysts or ovarian cancer?  Also, do these types of problems tend to be hereditary?  My mother has had MANY issues in the GYN dept., so needless to say that is also a concern of mine.  Any answers would be greatly appreciated!

[MickeyVicki]

Calcifications in general indicate inflammation or injury, or a history of inflammation or injury.  It actually is indicative of the body's response to the inflammation or injury.  

At one time, doctors believed that calcification was indicative of a greater probability of malignancy.  However, with the advent of the non-invasive imaging techniques such as ultrasounds and MRIs, doctors are discovering that calcifications are more common than previously believed.  Now, calcifications are considered a reason for more in-depth study to determine possible causes of the sites.