[Primary extramedullary plasmacytomas of the upper respiratory tract. A study of four cases with infrequent localization].

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of three patients afflicted of extramedullary plasmacytoma located in the Waldeyer's ring, and one case afflicted of maxillary sinus disease.

METHODS

The localization of the masses was the palatine amygdala in two cases, and the rhinopharynx and maxillary sinus in the remaining two patients. Major symptoms were dysphagia respiratory failure with closed rhinolalia, and headache. Diagnosis was made by histological study of biopsied tissue. In every case, general illness or other site of localization were ruled out.

RESULTS

In our casuistic, the incidence of primary extramedullary plasmacytoma in Waldeyer's ring is 1.2%. The patient's age were 45, 50, 62, and 73 years respectively, and the male/female ratio was 1. In those cases located in the tonsils, a bilateral tonsillectomy was performed. In the case located at the maxillary sinus, a sinus trepanation was performed according the Caldwell-Luc's technique, followed by local radiotherapy at doses of 40 Gy. In the case located at the rhinopharynx, radiotherapy was the only choice. These three different therapeutical procedures led to the disappearance of the disease, and, after a 12 to 53 month-period, patients remain asymptomatic. A patient died due to other causes not related to the illness.