Cutaneous Plasmacytoma: A Case Report

Multiple myeloma is a rare haematological malignancy of plasma cells commonly presenting in the fifth and sixth decade. Uncommonly, multiple myeloma can present with cutaneous manifestations. Usually these lesions occur as a result of an infiltrative extension of osteolytic bone lesions.

A 72-year-old gentleman with a large malodorous fungating lesion on his right thigh. A skin biopsy demonstrated that the lesions are deposits of known kappa light chain plasma cell myeloma.

Cutaneous plasmacytoma typically presents as erythematous or violaceous hard and tender nodules or plaques. Treatment involves chemotherapy, steroids, local radiotherapy and surgery. The discovery of cutaneous metastatic plasmacytomas can be the first sign of progression of the disease or signal a deteriorating clinical course in multiple myeloma therefore prompt investigation is essential.