Extramedullary Plasmacytoma Involving the Trachea: A Case Report and Literature Review

Extramedullary plasmacytoma is an uncommon type of plasma cell neoplasm that occurs outside of the bone marrow. Very rarely, extramedullary plasmacytomas can involve the trachea, causing significant respiratory distress.

We describe a patient with a history of multiple myeloma who presented with voice hoarseness and dyspnea and was found to have airway obstruction due to an extramedullary plasmacytoma near the larynx. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: It is important to investigate the possibility of upper airway obstruction in cancer patients presenting with hoarseness and dyspnea to prevent incorrect management, which can lead to fatal results. In particular, wheezing and dyspnea in patients with a history of asthma may not always be due to asthma exacerbation. Computed tomography scans and emergency laryngoscopy have been shown to be useful in aiding with correct diagnosis of upper airway obstruction, ensuring appropriate treatment.