Recurrent multiple myeloma presenting as a breast plasmacytoma.
A Kalyani1, M Rohaizak, S K Cheong
1Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre.
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|September 24, 2011
Summary
A patient with multiple myeloma developed a plasmacytoma in her breast after initial remission. Despite various treatments, she experienced rapid disease progression with multiple new extramedullary lesions.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells.
- Initial treatment with chemotherapy can induce remission.
Observation:
- A patient with multiple myeloma presented with a breast lump 10 months post-remission.
- Core biopsy confirmed the breast lump as a plasmacytoma.
Findings:
- Standard treatments including radiotherapy, thalidomide, and second-line chemotherapy were ineffective.
- The patient exhibited rapid disease progression, indicated by rising paraproteins.
- New extramedullary plasmacytoma lesions developed in multiple organs and regions.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for plasmacytoma development in breast tissue in multiple myeloma patients.
- It underscores the challenges in managing refractory multiple myeloma with extramedullary disease.
- Further research into novel therapeutic strategies for aggressive, relapsed multiple myeloma is warranted.
