Plasmacytomas of the larynx

Laryngeal plasmacytomas are rare neoplasms that present difficulties in diagnosis, both clinically and pathologically. Lymph node metastases are found in up to 25% of patients but do not alter the prognosis. Systemic dissemination occurs in 17-35% of cases and significantly shortens survival. Radiotherapy plays a major role in the primary treatment of these lesions, but the optimum dose is not yet known. Chemotherapy is reserved for locally advanced or disseminated disease. Survival at five years is approximately 50%, but the known risk of late recurrences or disseminated disease makes life-long follow-up mandatory.