Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the larynx

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare plasma cell neoplasm that occurs in the soft tissues, especially in the upper airways. We report two cases of laryngeal EMP, both of which were treated by surgical resection, one with and one without combination radiotherapy. A 39-year-old male was diagnosed with a laryngeal tumor localized in the left arytenoid region in October 1999. Biopsy showed the tumor to be a plasmacytoma. He underwent a direct laryngoscopy and resection of the tumor with a KTP laser. Consequently, he received radiotherapy to a total dose of 60 Gy. He has remained clear, with no local recurrence during 6 years of follow-up. A 59-year-old male was diagnosed with an epiglottic tumor in December 1989. He underwent a direct laryngoscopy and removal of the tumor. Histopathological study of the tumor showed a diffuse proliferation of plasmacytoid cells. He has remained diseasefree during 15 years of follow-up.