Definition

Plasmacytomas are rare tumors that comprise plasma cells arising from the bone or soft tissue. Extramedullary (i.e., outside of the medulla) plasmacytomas are commonly localized but can infiltrate soft tissue, the spleen, breast, head, neck, and surrounding structures. Although extramedullary plasmacytomas do not typically invade the skull or meninges, there have been reported cases of frontal lobe involvement. When this occurs, these tumors can cause mass effect and resulting neurological deficits, including headache, visual disturbances, and vertigo. Since plasmacytomas are histologically low-grade tumors, the standard treatment involves surgery and radiotherapy.

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