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Introduction: Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is an uncommon solitary tumor originating from neoplastic plasma cells located outside the bone marrow. Despite its rarity, the occurrence of EMP without a concurrent diagnosis of multiple myeloma (MM) is considered extremely rare. Approximately 80-90% of EMP cases are found in the head and neck region, with a higher incidence in men aged between 50 and 60 years. The current treatment modalities include radiotherapy (RT) as a first-line approach, with surgery or chemotherapy regarded as other therapeutic options. While RT proves effective in the majority of EMP cases, there are instances where the tumor remains refractory to radiation. In this case report, we present an unusual scenario of EMP resistant to RT without concurrent signs of multiple myeloma which was successfully treated with surgery followed by systemic therapy. Case report: A 72-year-old male was admitted to the Head and Neck Cancer Clinic with a 6-month history of swallowing difficulties. He denied experiencing weight loss or pain on swallowing. Basic laboratory tests yielded results within normal limits, except for beta-2 microglobulin. Physical examination revealed an enlarged submandibular lymph node on the right side. Fiberoptic examination identified a soft tissue polypoid mass within the right piriform fossa, slightly protruding into the vocal slit. A CT scan displayed a well-circumscribed 2 cm polypoid, homogeneously enhancing soft tissue mass adjacent to the posterior surface of the epiglottis and the right side of the tongue base. Bone marrow biopsy revealed no abnormalities, and there were no clinical or laboratory signs of multiple myeloma. Based on the tumor biopsy results and imaging studies, a diagnosis of EMP was made. Due to the lack of response to RT, surgical removal of the tumor was pursued, followed by systemic therapy. Ultimately, the patient achieved full recovery with effective disease control. Conclusion: In conclusion, EMP without concurrent multiple myeloma is an exceedingly rare condition that demands a multidisciplinary approach for both diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, although RT continues to be the primary standard treatment for EMP, in some cases other therapeutic regimens prove to be successful.
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BACKGROUND: In clinical practice, genetic testing has become standard for many cancerous diseases. While a diagnosis of a single hereditary syndrome is not uncommon, the coexistence of two genetic diseases, even with partially common symptoms, remains unusual. Therefore, targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS), along with genetic consultation and imaging studies, is essential for every patient with confirmed paraganglioma. In this report, we present two sisters diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2A) and familial paraganglioma syndrome type 1 (FPGL1). CASE PRESENTATION: After presenting to the clinic with neck tumors persisting for several months, both patients underwent tumor removal procedures following imaging and laboratory studies. Pathological reports confirmed the diagnosis of paragangliomas. Subsequently, genetic testing, including NGS, revealed a mutation in the rearranged during transfection (RET) gene: the heterozygous change (c.2410G > A), (p.Val804Met), and a variant of the succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit D (SDHD) gene: (c.64 C > T), (p.Arg22Ter). Subsequently, thyroidectomy procedures were scheduled in both cases. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report presenting these two mutations in two related patients, resulting in distinctive genetic syndromes with similar manifestations. This underscores that although infrequent, multiple hereditary disorders may co-occur in the same individual.
