Soft-tissue plasmacytomas complicates the course of multiple myeloma (clinical cases)

Abstract

Extramedullary lesions in multiple myeloma occur on the extension of neoplastic plasma cells outside the cortical bone. On the local tumor growth the extramedullary mass are found most commonly in vertebrae, ribs, sternum and skull. Single or multiple malignant mass can be found in the skin, liver, breast, kidney and lymph nodes via hematogenous spread of the malignant plasma cells. Incidence of extramedullary lesions in multiple myeloma patients is 7 to 18% at MM diagnosis and up from 2.3 to 20% at relapse or progression. In the last decade, we noted the increase of extramedullary lesions diagnosis at the beginning of the disease that was associated with the wide use of modern x-ray diagnostic methods. Thus, in 2009 the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) recommended undergoing the magnetic resonance imaging scans of the spine and pelvis, especially in the absence of osteolytic lesions according to the results of x-ray study. The results of computer tomography allow more accurately find the localization and the sizes of extramedullary mass. Nowadays, it is widely discussed the advantages of positron emission tomography using not only at the beginning of the disease, but also during the treatment, assessing anti-tumour response. The application of standard therapy in case of extramedullary plasmocytomas at the beginning of MM is associated with the reduction of both overall and progression-free survival. Several articles indicate the high efficiency of the programs including bortezomib, there are also some reports concerning the successful application of lenalidomide and pomalidomide in the treatment of MM associated with presence of extramedullary plasmocytomas.