Primary plasmacytoma of the testicle: a case report

Extraosseous Plasmacytomas: A Radiologist's Perspective-A Narrative Review of the Literature

Extraosseous plasmacytomas (EPs) are rare neoplasms originating from plasma cells, often associated with multiple myeloma. EPs are classified into three subtypes: extramedullary myeloma, solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (SEP), and multiple solitary plasmacytomas. They can manifest in various anatomical sites, including the lung, mediastinum, breast, liver, pancreas, stomach, mesentery, kidney, small and large bowel, testis, and soft tissue. Despite their rarity, EPs present a diagnostic challenge due to their non-specific imaging appearances, which can mimic other neoplastic and inflammatory conditions. This review aims to describe the radiographic features of EPs in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis based on a thorough analysis of the existing literature. While imaging plays a crucial role in the detection and characterization of EPs, histological confirmation is necessary to differentiate them from other neoplastic entities. The review underscores the importance of considering EPs in the differential diagnosis, particularly in patients with a history of multiple myeloma. Understanding the imaging characteristics of EPs is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Early imaging is crucial in these patients to exclude the possibility of EP, as timely diagnosis can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Extramedullary plasmacytoma: Tumor occurrence and therapeutic concepts-A follow-up

BACKGROUND

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a solitary tumor consisting of neoplastic plasma cells, with very little to no bone marrow involvement. EMPs are usually located in the head and neck region, but can also occur along the digestive tract, in lungs, or extremities.

METHODS

Following our publication on EMP, which appeared in 1999 (Cancer 85:2305-14), we conducted a literature search for EMP-related reports published between 1999 and 2021. The documented cases, as well as 14 of our own patients from the ENT Clinic Erlangen, were extensively analyzed.

RESULTS

Between 1998 and 2021, 1134 patients with EMP were reported, for whom information about the tumor localization was available. Among those, 62.4% had EMP in the head and neck area and 37.6% in other body regions. Data on therapy were reported in 897 patients, including 34.3% who received radiation, 28.1% surgery, 22.6% a combination of surgery and radiation, and 15.9% another therapy. In 76.9% patients no recurrence or transformation to multiple myeloma (MM) was reported, 12.8% showed local recurrence and 10.2% developed MM. Radiotherapy alone was associated with a tendency for increased occurrence of MM. In patients with EMP of head and neck area, combination therapy (surgery and radiation) resulted in a 5-year overall survival rate of 98.3%, surgery alone of 92.4%, and radiotherapy of 92.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our analyses indicate that surgical resection alone can achieve long-term tumor control in patients with EMP, if the tumor can be removed within safe limits without causing serious functional impairment. However, if this is not certain, either radiation or a combination of surgery and radiation therapy is suggested as an effective means of local tumor control.

An Extremely Rare Manifestation of Multiple Myeloma: An Immunoglobulin D Secreting Testicular Plasmacytoma

Multiple myelomas (MM) of the immunoglobulin D (IgD) subtype is rare amongst plasma cell malignancies. It can present a diagnostic challenge because of the low amount of immunoglobulin in the serum. The amount of monoclonal (M)-protein is often undetectable on electrophoresis. Historically, survival in these patients was typically shorter compared to the immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) subtypes due to advanced disease upon presentation. With the advent of better diagnostic techniques, the prognosis of this disease is changing. We describe a case of an extramedullary testicular plasmacytoma (EMP) of the IgD subtype as the primary feature of MM, which responded well to novel therapy.

A 72-year-old White male presented to the emergency room with a right testicular mass for three months. He subsequently underwent right radical orchiectomy. Pathology of the specimen revealed plasmacytoid cells positive for cluster of differentiation (CD79a), lambda free light chain, IgD, and BCL-1 (Cyclin D1) on immunochemical stains. Urine and serum immunofixation were positive for monoclonal IgD with lambda light chain specificity and Bence Jones proteinuria. Bone marrow biopsy showed large sheets of plasma cells with greater than 90% cellularity. Flow cytometry displayed atypical plasma cells expressing cluster of differentiation (CD38, CD20, and CD56) with cytoplasm and lambda light chain, approximately 20%, consistent with a plasma cell dyscrasia. Stage 3 IgD lambda multiple myeloma was diagnosed. He received novel treatment with Bortezomib and dexamethasone for three months, followed by Lenalidomide. His performance status and lab data improved significantly. He had progression-free survival (PFS) of approximately three years and remained in complete remission low-dose dose of Lenalidomide daily.

IgD myeloma was considered a diagnostic challenge due to undetectable M-protein levels on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP). With the advent of serum free light chain assay and serum and cytologic examinations, diagnostic accuracy has significantly improved. The IgD subtype is commonly associated with poor clinical outcomes. However, the use of novel agents and autologous transplant has changed the prognosis of this disease.

Bilateral synchronous plasmacytoma of the testis

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is usually seen in the head and neck regions and in the upper respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Testis is a rare site for EMP, and bilateral synchronous testicular plasmacytoma occurring as an isolated event at initial presentation has been reported only once previously. We present herein the second such report in a 70-year-old man who underwent bilateral orchidectomy.

Plasmacytoma of the testis in a patient with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma: Case report and review of the literature

Testicular plasmacytoma, whether occurring as a primary lesion or as a reflection of underlying multiple myeloma (MM), is a rare disease. We report the case of a 38-year-old male with multiply relapsed MM, who was found to have a testicular plasmacytoma. He presented with a gradually enlarging scrotal mass. Following orchidectomy, pathologic examination of the specimen demonstrated a plasmacytoma. In the context of active MM, the specimen was also sent for cytogenetic analysis but this was unhelpful in guiding a chemotherapy regime, which still continues at time of reporting. Although a rare lesion, there remains no definitive treatment protocol for the management of testicular plasmacytoma representing an extramedullary manifestation of MM.

Solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma of the adrenal gland: a rare case report with review of the literature

Plasmacytomas are monoclonal plasma cells proliferations originating either in localized osseous tissue or in soft tissue (extramedullary plasmacytoma, EMP). Although many such lesions are found in the bone marrow, fewer arise in extramedullary tissue. A solitary EMP involving the adrenal gland is extremely rare, with only 7 cases having been reported in the literature thus far. Here, we describe a rare case of solitary EMP in the right adrenal gland of a 26-year-old man that was managed by retroperitoneal laparoscopic resection, with no recurrence during 6-year follow-up.