Plasmacytoma of the head and neck

Fourteen cases of plasmacytoma arising in the head and neck are described. Good local tumour control was achieved with minimal surgery and moderate doses of radiation. Subsequent myelomatosis did occur but this was unusual and no more frequent with tumours arising in the maxilla and mandible than at extramedullary sites. It is recommended that all apparently solitary plasma cell tumours of the head and neck are treated by radiotherapy with curative intent and then followed up carefully for life.