Uncommon presentation of nasopharyngeal extramedullary plasmacytoma: a case report and literature review.

OBJECTIVE

We report an exceptional presentation of extramedullary plasmacytoma of the nasopharynx without bone marrow involvement or other characteristics of multiple myeloma.

METHOD: Case report and a review of the world literature concerning the clinical presentation, histopathological features, optimal treatment and prognosis of nasopharyngeal extramedullary plasmacytoma.

RESULTS

Reports of patients with symptomatic extramedullary plasmacytomas of the nasopharynx eventually being documented with histopathological evidence are not uncommon; however, the converse appears to be an extremely rare event. The patient was completely asymptomatic and following a paroxysm of coughing, expectorated a polypoidal nodule, which on histopathological investigation had features suggestive of extramedullary plasmacytoma.

CONCLUSION

Although these tumours commonly present with significant nasal symptoms, this exceptional presentation in an asymptomatic patient has never been previously reported. Unusual presentations of rare tumours can pose considerable diagnostic dilemmas to both the surgeon and histopathologist. Awareness of these rarities is important to ensure the best patient care.