A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). A plasmacytoma may turn into multiple myeloma.
What is the difference between multiple myeloma and plasmacytoma?
Multiple myeloma is not confined to a specific bone or location within a bone. It tends to involve the entire skeleton. When only one lesion is found it is called a “plasmacytoma.” Most doctors believe that plasmacytoma is simply an early, isolated form of multiple myeloma.
What is dog plasmacytoma?
Cutaneous plasmacytoma is a tumor of older dogs with German Shepherds being somewhat over-represented. Tumors can cover the trunk, limbs, head (especially the ears), and oral cavity. For the most part, canine cutaneous plasmacytomas are benign, carrying an excellent prognosis following complete surgical excision.
Is Plasmacytoma curable?
Solitary plasmacytoma of the bone can sometimes be cured with radiation therapy or surgery to destroy or remove the tumor. However, 70 percent of people with solitary plasmacytoma eventually develop multiple myeloma.
Can plasmacytoma spread?
Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) presents as a mass growing in the aerodigestive tract in 80-90% of patients, often with spread to lymph nodes, although other sites are affected as well.
Where can plasmacytomas be found in dogs?
They can also be located in a dog’s mouth, colon, or rectal regions. There are several types of canine plasmacytomas including benign plasma cell tumors, multiple myeloma, and single osseous plasmacytomas.
What are the symptoms of solitary osseous plasmacytoma in dogs?
Solitary osseous plasmacytomas in dogs arise from bone. Thus, lameness and pain are potential symptoms. Diagnostic testing is imperative and a bone marrow aspiration, biopsy, radiographs, blood work, or other lab tests are usually performed on the dog.
What is the prognosis of extramedullary plasmacytoma?
The prognosis is overall very good for extramedullary plasmacytomas, and the outcome of all three types depends on the staging, location, and if there is spread or metastases of malignant cells to other areas.
Do you need an oncologist for plasmacytoma?
Yes, plasmacytomas are a type of canine cancer but in most cases, Dr. Christman and other experts agree they are benign. If the cancer is advanced or spread to other organs, an oncologist should most definitely be involved in the dog’s care.
