title: Extramedullary plasmacytoma of the head and neck, parotid and submandibular salivary glands.
abstract: Twenty-two cases of extramedullary plasmacytomas (EMP) were diagnosed in the Birmingham region during 1962-1973. Five cases of EMP of the head and neck are discussed, including cases involving the parotid and submandibular salivary glands. Comparative data on incidence, age, sex, and survival is presented. A multidisciplinary approach is important for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. It is mandatory to carry out investigations to exclude multiple myeloma. Radiotherapy is the treatment of choice; clinical, radiological and pathological evidence are cited. However, a residuum may be left after an initial response to radiotherapy which may require surgical removal. Chemotherapy has a place in multiple site lesions. A proportion of cases proceed to multiple myeloma after a variable period of time and thus follow-up should be life-long.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D010954:Plasmacytoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis