Summary
Solitary plasmacytomas are defined as proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells without
evidence of significant bone-marrow plasma-cell infiltration. They are classified
according to location into solitary plasmacytoma of bone if they occur in bone, and
extramedullary plasmacytoma if they arise in soft tissues. They are more frequent in
males than females and have a peak incidence in the fifth and sixth decade of life.
Solitary plasmacytoma accounts for about 5% of plasma cell tumours. More than 80% of
extramedullary plasmacytoma occur in the upper aero-digestive tract or the head and
neck region. Diagnosis is based on histologic confirmation of monoclonal plasma cell
infiltration of a single disease site and on the exclusion of systemic myeloma. The
development of multiple myeloma from solitary plasmacytoma occurs in approximately
60% of patients within 10 years of diagnosis. Prognosis is good and cure can be attained
in extramedullary plasmacytoma. Therapeutic options include radiotherapy,
chemotherapy and surgical excision. The aetiology of plasmacytoma is still unknown.
Extramedullary plasmacytoma can affect practically all the systems in the body including
the eyes, nervous system, head and neck, respiratory system, breast, gastrointestinal
system, urogenital system and lymph nodes. These systemic manifestations are reviewed.
Key words: Plasmacytoma, ocular, outcome, neurological, prognostic factors,