Solitary plasmacytoma of the nasal passage--a case report

Extramedullary plasmacytomas are rare tumors usually appearing in the upper respiratory system or the alimentary tract in the fifth and sixth decades of life. A little over two hundred cases have been reported in the literature. The association between solitary plasmacytoma and multiple myeloma has been emphasized by Helmus, 1964; Mattila, 1965. Approximately 90% of the extramedullary plasma cell tumors occur in the head and neck region and are therefore within the province of the otolaryngologist. A case of solitary nasal plasmacytoma treated with combined surgical and radiation therapy is presented. The six years follow up supports the success of therapy.