BACKGROUND: Plasmacytomas are plasma cell tumors that may be a primary or secondary tumor focus, the latter of which are associated with multiple myeloma. We present a rare case of a solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma involving the conjunctiva. CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old white man presented with the initial complaint of redness in both eyes, more in his right than left eye. A vascularized conjunctival lesion was noted in his right eye. The patient underwent excisional biopsy, which found a conjunctival plasmacytoma. CONCLUSION: Although plasmacytomas of the eye and orbit are rare, it is important to be familiar with these tumors that may be associated with multiple myeloma. Definitive diagnosis is made by biopsy and histopathologic examination of the tissue. Plasmacytomas may be treated with external beam radiation, local excision, or radiotherapy after surgical excision. Long-term follow-up, including periodic systemic evaluation, is required to establish that orbital involvement is not an early manifestation of multiple myeloma. Copyright 2010 American Optometric Association. All rights reserved.
BACKGROUND: Plasmacytomas are plasma cell tumors that may be a primary or secondary tumor focus, the latter of which are associated with multiple myeloma. We present a rare case of a solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma involving the conjunctiva. CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old white man presented with the initial complaint of redness in both eyes, more in his right than left eye. A vascularized conjunctival lesion was noted in his right eye. The patient underwent excisional biopsy, which found a conjunctival plasmacytoma. CONCLUSION: Although plasmacytomas of the eye and orbit are rare, it is important to be familiar with these tumors that may be associated with multiple myeloma. Definitive diagnosis is made by biopsy and histopathologic examination of the tissue. Plasmacytomas may be treated with external beam radiation, local excision, or radiotherapy after surgical excision. Long-term follow-up, including periodic systemic evaluation, is required to establish that orbital involvement is not an early manifestation of multiple myeloma. Copyright 2010 American Optometric Association. All rights reserved.