Outcome Analysis of Solitary Extramedullary Plasmacytoma in the Head and Neck: A Clinical Perspective

Introduction: Solitary extramedullary plasmacytomas (SEP) of the head and neck are rare and pose unique challenges. This study aimed to explore the clinical spectrum and treatment outcomes of these neoplasms using multimodal management.

Methods: A retrospective review of 13 patients with SEP of the head and neck. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostics, treatment, and survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results: One patient refused the treatment and was lost to follow-up. Another one received operation alone. The other 11 patients underwent surgical resection when feasible and showed favorable responses to radiation. Two of them (16.7%) experienced local recurrence, and another two patients (16.7%) progressed to multiple myeloma (MM) within the first 2 years following the initial treatment. Tumor > 2.6 cm significantly affected the post-radiation prognosis.

Conclusion: Although radiotherapy yields favorable immediate outcomes in our limited case series, a subset of cases progresses to MM within the initial 2 years. Despite all tumors being categorized as Stage I, tumor size may still influence prognosis.