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Clinicopathologic study of cutaneous plasmacytoma
R Torne1, W P Su, R K Winkelmann
1Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
International Journal of Dermatology
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Primary cutaneous plasmacytoma, a skin tumor of plasma cells, can be reactive or neoplastic. Skin lesions may indicate underlying multiple myeloma, but clinical appearance doesn't predict systemic involvement.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Primary cutaneous plasmacytoma presents as skin tumors with plasma cell infiltrates.
- These tumors can be either reactive (polyclonal) or neoplastic (monoclonal).
- Association with systemic disease, such as multiple myeloma, is possible.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and histological features of primary cutaneous plasmacytoma.
- To correlate serum immunoelectrophoresis findings with the nature of the plasmacytoma.
- To determine if clinical or histological features predict systemic involvement.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological examination of skin tumor biopsies.
- Analysis of clinical presentation and patient history.
- Serum immunoelectrophoresis to assess immunoglobulin clonality.
Main Results:
- Eight patients with skin tumors predominantly composed of plasma cells were studied.
- Four patients had associated multiple myeloma; skin lesions were reddish-purple nodules.
- Histology showed diffuse, monomorphous infiltrates; serum immunoelectrophoresis correlated with clonality.
Conclusions:
- Primary cutaneous plasmacytoma can be associated with multiple myeloma.
- Serum immunoelectrophoresis is crucial for determining plasmacytoma clonality.
- Clinical and histological features of skin lesions do not reliably predict systemic disease.