Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the cricoid cartilage progressing to multiple myeloma: A case report

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is an uncommon tumor of the plasma cells, and EMP of the cricoid cartilage is extremely rare The present study reports the rare case of a 43-year-old male complaining of hoarseness and dyspnea for over a year. Computed tomography imaging of the neck revealed an occupying lesion in the cricoid cartilage, and a diagnosis of EMP was subsequently confirmed by histopathological evaluation. The patient underwent surgery, but refused radiotherapy against medical advice. One year later, the patient was diagnosed with a recurrence of EMP via pathological examination and underwent a second surgery, however, radiotherapy was refused. After a further two years and four months, the patient presented with lumps in the neck, and was subsequently diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The patient received systematic chemotherapy in the hematology department; the patient's general condition stabilized, and no further anemia, bone pain, infection or other discomfort was experienced. Solitary plasmacytoma of the cricoid cartilage is a rare lesion and compliance with radiotherapy following surgery may provide significant benefit in the treatment of this disease.