Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

08:31
Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells
Published on: February 18, 2016
Parotid gland plasmacytoma with crystalline deposits
A K el-Naggar1, N G Ordonez, J G Batsakis
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology
|February 1, 1991
Insights
A rare case of parotid gland plasmacytoma featured crystals made of immunoglobulin. This finding offers insights into extramedullary plasmacytoma formation and diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare plasma cell neoplasm.
- Primary involvement of the parotid gland is exceptionally uncommon.
- Understanding the pathogenesis of EMP is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Observation:
- A unique case of primary extramedullary plasmacytoma in the parotid gland is described.
- The tumor exhibited significant deposition of intracytoplasmic crystals.
- These crystals were analyzed using immunohistochemical and ultrastructural methods.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemical analysis indicated the crystals were composed of monoclonal immunoglobulin.
- Ultrastructural examination confirmed the crystalline nature and immunoglobulin origin.
- This suggests a specific mechanism of immunoglobulin production and aggregation within the plasma cells.
Implications:
- This case highlights a distinct morphological feature in parotid gland EMP.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of immunoglobulin synthesis and crystal formation in plasma cell disorders.
- Recognizing these crystalline deposits can aid in the accurate diagnosis of rare salivary gland neoplasms.
Abstract:
A case of primary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the parotid gland with a marked deposition of intracytoplasmic crystals is presented. The immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characteristics of the crystals suggest formation from monoclonal immunoglobulin.

