What is Plasmacytoma? Understanding this Rare Cancer

Plasmacytoma is a rare type of cancer that is characterized by the abnormal growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow or soft tissues. It is a type of cancer that is often associated with multiple myeloma, which is a cancer that originates in the bone marrow. However, plasmacytoma only affects a small number of people, and it can be treated with radiation therapy and sometimes chemotherapy. In this article, we will discuss what plasmacytoma is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that produce antibodies, which are proteins that help the immune system fight infections and diseases. They are produced in the bone marrow and are released into the bloodstream, where they circulate throughout the body. Plasma cells play an important role in the immune system, but when they grow uncontrollably, they can lead to the development of cancerous tumors known as plasmacytomas.

Plasmacytoma is a rare type of cancer that arises from abnormal plasma cells. It can develop anywhere in the body, but it mostly affects bone marrow and soft tissues, such as the throat, tonsils, stomach, intestines, and liver. Plasmacytoma tumors can be either single or multiple, and they can be classified as either solitary plasmacytoma or multiple myeloma.

Solitary Plasmacytoma

A solitary plasmacytoma is a type of plasmacytoma that affects only one area of the body, typically the bone or soft tissue. It is a rare type of cancer and accounts for less than 5% of all plasma cell neoplasms. Solitary plasmacytomas can be further divided into two subtypes:

• Extramedullary plasmacytoma: Occurs outside the bone marrow, usually in soft tissue, such as the throat, tonsils, stomach, intestines, and liver.
• Intramedullary plasmacytoma: Occurs in the bone marrow and affects areas of bone, such as the spine, ribs, or skull.

Multiple Myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a type of plasmacytoma that is characterized by the abnormal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is more common than solitary plasmacytoma, accounting for about 90% of all plasma cell neoplasms. Multiple myeloma usually affects several areas of the body, such as the bones, liver, and kidneys. Unlike solitary plasmacytoma, multiple myeloma can spread to other parts of the body and can cause bone pain, anemia, and kidney problems.

The exact causes of plasmacytoma are not well understood, but scientists believe that it is caused by genetic mutations in plasma cells that cause them to grow uncontrollably. Risk factors for plasmacytoma include:

• Age: Plasmacytoma is more common in people over 60 years old.
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop plasmacytoma than women.
• Family history: People who have a family history of plasmacytoma are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
• Exposure to radiation: Radiation exposure, such as that from radiation therapy, can increase the risk of developing plasmacytoma.

The symptoms of plasmacytoma depend on the location and size of the tumor. Some common symptoms of plasmacytoma include:

• Bone pain, especially in the back or ribs
• Weakened bones, which can lead to fractures
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
• Fatigue and weakness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Anemia, or a low red blood cell count, which can cause fatigue and shortness of breath
• Kidney problems, such as kidney damage or failure

Plasmacytoma is diagnosed through several tests and procedures, including:

Medical History and Physical Exam

A doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms of plasmacytoma, such as bone pain, anemia, and kidney problems.

Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy

A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy is a procedure that involves removing a small amount of bone marrow from the hip bone or another bone using a special needle. The bone marrow is then examined under a microscope to look for cancerous plasma cells.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans, can help detect the presence of plasmacytoma tumors and determine their size and location.

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests, such as blood tests and urine tests, may be performed to check for abnormal protein levels, which can be a sign of plasmacytoma.

The treatment for plasmacytoma depends on the location and size of the tumor, as well as whether it is a solitary plasmacytoma or multiple myeloma. Treatment options for plasmacytoma include:

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a common treatment option for plasmacytoma. It involves using high-energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that involves using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy or stem cell transplantation.

Surgery

Surgery is rarely used to treat plasmacytoma, as it is difficult to remove the entire tumor without causing damage to surrounding tissues.

Stem Cell Transplantation

Stem cell transplantation is a treatment that involves replacing damaged or destroyed bone marrow with healthy stem cells. It is usually reserved for people with multiple myeloma.

Plasmacytoma is a rare type of cancer that is characterized by the abnormal growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow or soft tissues. It can be classified as either solitary plasmacytoma or multiple myeloma. While the exact causes of plasmacytoma are unknown, risk factors include age, gender, family history, and exposure to radiation. Symptoms of plasmacytoma include bone pain, weakened bones, numbness or tingling, fatigue, and kidney problems. Plasmacytoma can be diagnosed through several tests and procedures, including bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, imaging tests, and laboratory tests. Treatment options for plasmacytoma include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and stem cell transplantation.

• What is plasmacytoma?Plasmacytoma is a rare type of cancer that is characterized by the abnormal growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow or soft tissues.
• What are the symptoms of plasmacytoma?Some common symptoms of plasmacytoma include bone pain, weakened bones, numbness or tingling, fatigue, and kidney problems.
• How is plasmacytoma diagnosed?Plasmacytoma is diagnosed through several tests and procedures, including bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, imaging tests, and laboratory tests.
• How is plasmacytoma treated?Treatment options for plasmacytoma include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgery, and stem cell transplantation.
• What are the risk factors for plasmacytoma?Risk factors for plasmacytoma include age, gender, family history, and exposure to radiation.

References

• American Cancer Society. (2020, February 26). Multiple myeloma. Retrieved March 1, 2021, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/multiple-myeloma/about/what-is-multiple-myeloma.html
• Mayo Clinic. (2020, July 16). Plasmacytoma. Retrieved March 1, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plasmacytoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20376582
• National Cancer Institute. (2020, September 16). Plasma cell neoplasms (including Multiple Myeloma) Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version. Retrieved March 1, 2021, from https://www.cancer.gov/types/myeloma/patient/myeloma-treatment-pdq