COMy 2019 | Diagnosing and treating solitary plasmacytoma

Solitary plasmacytoma is a rare condition characterized by a single solitary mass. Paula Rodríguez-Otero, MD, PhD, of the University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain, describes the differences between solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB) and extramedullary plasmacytoma (EP). In order to diagnose a solitary plasmacytoma, a multiple myeloma (MM) diagnosis must be excluded, achieved by identifying a minimal/low bone plasma involvement with all symptoms relating to the solitary mass. Dr Rodríguez-Otero discusses important factors to identify during diagnostic workup, including the presence of other small lesions and level of bone marrow involvement – this impacts the speed of progression of this condition to MM and hence treatment. Finally, she states that whilst radiotherapy is the standard of treatment for both SBP and EP, treatment may include surgery or chemotherapy in some cases. This interview took place at the Controversies in Multiple Myeloma (COMy) 2019 World Congress in Paris, France.