Unexplained pain in different parts of the body, sometimes unimaginable bone problems, or abnormalities in the soft tissues of the neck and head... These are things that we sometimes don't pay much attention to. However, in rare cases, these may be symptoms of a rare condition called Plasmacytoma. Don't worry, this is not a disease that affects many people. But it is very important to be aware of this.
What is this plasmacytoma? Let's understand it very simply.
Simply put, Plasmacytoma is a condition similar to Multiple Myeloma, but much rarer. We all have a type of cell in our bodies called Plasma cells . Some people also call these B cells. These are an important part of our immune system. Healthy Plasma cells produce antibodies, or immunoglobulins, that help our bodies fight disease.
However, sometimes these healthy plasma cells become abnormal and start dividing and multiplying too quickly. These abnormal cells then gather and form tumors. These tumors can form in our bones, in the soft tissues of the head and neck, or in any organ, such as the bladder, lungs, or kidneys.
How does Plasmacytoma affect my body?
As we've talked about before, this problem starts when healthy plasma cells become abnormal. These abnormal plasma cells multiply and make an abnormal type of antibody called M proteins . When these M proteins increase, the number of real, healthy plasma cells that actually help protect us from disease decreases. This means that our immunity can weaken.
There are two main types of plasmacytoma, depending on which parts of the body they affect:
1. Solitary Plasmacytoma of Bone (SPB): This is when abnormal plasma cells form a tumor in a single bone in your body. Think of it as just one vertebra in your spine, or just one spot in your hip. This SPB can cause bone damage and pain. About 50% of people with SPB will eventually develop multiple myeloma.
2. Extramedullary Plasmacytoma (EMP): In EMP, a single tumor made up of abnormal plasma cells affects soft tissue . Soft tissue is the tissue that surrounds, connects, and supports our organs and bones. For example, our muscles, tendons, skin, fat, and fascia. Although EMP can occur in any soft tissue in the body, it is most commonly seen in the upper respiratory tract . That is, in places like the nasal cavity, sinuses, nasopharynx, and larynx. However, it can occur in any organ. About 15% of people with EMP will later develop multiple myeloma.
Who gets this plasmacytoma? How common is it?
Plasmacytoma is usually seen in people between the ages of 55 and 60. It has also been found that men are more likely to develop this condition than women.
Plasmacytoma is actually a very rare condition . Doctors only diagnose about 450 new cases of SPB and about 300 new cases of EMP each year. However, some people who have been battling multiple myeloma for a long time can also develop plasmacytoma.
What are the symptoms of SPB?
Solitary Plasmacytoma of Bone (SPB) is a bone disease that is characterized by bone pain or bone fractures . For example, you may suddenly experience back pain for no apparent reason, or a rib pain. Other symptoms of SPB include:
- Pain or fractures in places like your ribs, thoracic vertebrae, femur, and pelvis .
- Compression fractures of the spine. This can cause damage to your spinal cord or nerve roots. If this happens, you may experience sharp, stabbing pain that travels down your legs and into your back.
- Rarely, if SPB affects the skull, it can cause headaches, dizziness, and vision problems .
So what are the symptoms of EMP?
Symptoms of Extramedullary Plasmacytoma (EMP) occur when the tumor presses on soft tissue, causing pain and disruption of body function.
For example, if you have an EMP inside your nose, you may feel like something is stuck in your nose, and it may be difficult to breathe through your nose. Although EMPs can occur anywhere on the body, 80% to 90% of cases occur in the head and neck area. Common symptoms of EMPs include:
- Headache
- Nasal discharge
- Difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia)
- Sore throat or infection (Pharyngitis)
- Nosebleed (Epistaxis)
Rarely, if EMP affects your larynx (voice box), you may also experience symptoms like:
- Hoarseness
- Obstructed airway
- Wheezing
Important: These plasmacytoma symptoms are often similar to those of other, less serious illnesses. So don't panic if you see something like this. However, if these symptoms persist for more than two weeks or get worse, you should definitely see a doctor.
Why does this plasmacytoma form? What is the cause?
In fact, we now know that plasmacytoma is caused by healthy plasma cells turning into abnormal cells and multiplying uncontrollably. However, researchers still don't know exactly what causes this change. That is, no specific cause has yet been found.
How do doctors diagnose Plasmacytoma?
Doctors use several tests to identify the types of plasmacytoma and, if present, to determine the stage of EMP.
Here are some of those tests:
- CT scan (Computed Tomography - CT scan): This uses X-rays and a computer to create a three-dimensional (3D) image of your soft tissues and bones. Doctors use CT scans to look for bone damage caused by plasmacytomas.
- MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI): This test can produce detailed images of your body without using radiation. MRI can help assess soft tissue damage caused by EMP.
- Blood and urine tests: These tests are used to measure the levels of those M proteins we talked about.
- Nasal endoscopy: If an EMP condition is suspected, this procedure can be used to examine the passages and sinuses inside the nose. This involves passing a tube with a small camera inside the nose.
- Fine-needle biopsy: This method can be used to obtain a sample of tissue and fluid from soft tissues affected by EMP.
- Biopsy: This is also done to take a sample of tissue or fluid to examine plasma cells. This is to confirm whether there are any abnormal cells.
What are the stages of EMP?
Doctors consider the following factors to determine the stage of Extramedullary Plasmacytoma (EMP):
- Stage I: Tests show that there is only a single tumor in one place on your body.
- Stage II: Tests show that EMP cells are also present in your lymph nodes.
- Stage III: Tests show that there is more than one EMP tumor.
What are the treatments for Plasmacytoma?
The best thing is, there are treatments for this condition. Doctors treat solitary plasmacytoma of the bone (SPB) with radiation therapy . Sometimes, if a person has those abnormal proteins (M proteins) in their blood or urine and also has a plasmacytoma, doctors also use treatments for multiple myeloma.
Extraosseous plasmacytoma (EMP) can be treated with surgery and/or chemotherapy or immunotherapy . Your doctor will decide the most appropriate treatment based on your condition.
Can the development of plasmacytoma be prevented?
In fact, like multiple myeloma, there is no known way to prevent the development of plasmacytoma. Because the exact cause is not known, it is difficult to say how to prevent it.
How long can you live with Plasmacytoma?
This is a problem for many people. About 60% of people with SPB are still alive five years after diagnosis. About 82% of people with EMP are still alive five years after diagnosis. These are just statistics, this can vary from person to person.
Unfortunately, plasmacytoma can sometimes come back , or develop elsewhere in the body. Also, some people who have SPB or EMP may later develop multiple myeloma. This can affect how long they live.
How do I take care of myself? What should I do?
Because a condition called plasmacytoma can develop into multiple myeloma, if you have plasmacytoma, you will need life-long follow-up care even after treatment is complete. This is very important.
This follow-up care usually includes regular blood tests and imaging tests (such as CT and MRI). These doctors will monitor you for signs of multiple myeloma. If you have plasmacytoma, ask your doctor what kind of follow-up care you should expect.
Plasmacytoma is a very rare blood disease similar to multiple myeloma. Fortunately, doctors can successfully treat most cases of plasmacytoma, shrinking the tumor and relieving symptoms. However, being diagnosed with plasmacytoma means that you will have to live with medical follow-up for the rest of your life. It’s not easy to live with a disease that never goes away completely. If you’re living with plasmacytoma, ask your doctor about ways to help you cope with this chronic illness. They’ll be happy to help you.
Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's recap some of the things you need to remember from what we've talked about:
- Plasmacytoma is a rare disease caused by tumors that develop abnormally from plasma cells .
- There are two main types of this: SPB, which affects the bones , and EMP, which affects the soft tissues .
- Symptoms may include bone pain, bone fractures, headaches, runny nose, and difficulty swallowing . If these symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice.
- A specific cause for this has not yet been found , so there is no way to prevent it.
- There are treatment methods such as radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy .
- Lifelong follow-up after treatment is very important, as this can develop into multiple myeloma or come back.
- Living with this condition can be challenging. Talk to your doctor and get the support you need.
I hope this information is useful to you. Stay healthy!
` plasmacytoma, cancer, blood disease, bone cancer, soft tissue cancer, multiple myeloma
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