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Multiple myeloma of the thyroid cartilage
Peter Kalina1, Jeffrey B Rykken
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Case Reports in Hematology
|September 1, 2012
Summary
A rare case of plasma cell neoplasm involving the thyroid cartilage highlights the importance of distinguishing plasmacytoma from multiple myeloma. Careful evaluation is crucial for appropriate treatment and prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Plasma cell neoplasms (PCN) encompass a spectrum of diseases, including plasmacytoma and plasma cell myeloma (PCM), also known as multiple myeloma (MM).
- Distinguishing between localized plasmacytoma and systemic PCM is critical due to differing therapeutic strategies and prognoses.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male with a history of resected and irradiated maxillary sinus plasmacytoma presented with hoarseness.
- Further workup revealed PCN, and the patient was treated with melphalan and autologous stem cell transplant.
Findings:
- The case involved PCN affecting the thyroid cartilage, an exceptionally rare site with only five prior reports.
- This presentation underscores the potential for plasmacytoma to involve unusual anatomical locations.
Implications:
- Accurate clinical and pathological evaluation is essential for differentiating plasmacytoma from PCM in neck masses.
- Recognition of rare presentations like thyroid cartilage involvement is vital for guiding patient management and understanding disease behavior.
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