Primary pulmonary plasmacytoma: A case report

Rationale: Extramedullary plasmacytoma is an extremely rare malignant clonal plasmacytoma, which can occur in any tissue or organ of the body other than bone marrow hematopoietic tissue. Lesions mostly occur in the head and neck or upper respiratory tract, and rarely in the lower respiratory tract. Primary plasmacytoma of the lung, also known as primary pulmonary plasmacytoma (PPP), is rarer and is mainly diagnosed on the basis of the histopathology of biopsy tissue. In this report, we present a case of PPP. Patient concerns: A 65-year-old woman with repeated episodes of cough and sputum for many years was hospitalized for an acute episode of chest pain and shortness of breath. Chest computed tomography revealed bilateral inflammation of multiple lobes, accompanied by slight bronchial dilatation. Diagnoses: The results of pathology of the electronic bronchoscopy sample were different from those of common infections but were consistent with plasmacytoma. Interventions and outcomes: The patient was discharged after hormone anti-inflammatory therapy. As patients lose contact, further follow-up of the patient was not possible. Lessons: PPP is a rare lung tumor, and diagnosis of this lesion on the basis of bronchoscopic biopsy is even rarer. With this case report, we seek to enhance the awareness and understanding of PPP. We recommend that in cases wherein chest imaging findings suggest multiple lung lesions, the possibility of pulmonary plasmacytoma should also be considered, and biopsy should be actively performed to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment. This report provides valuable insights and guidance for clinicians in the management and diagnosis of patients with PPP.