Plasma cell tumors with calcified amyloid deposition mistaken for chondrosarcoma.

PURPOSE

To report cases of plasmacytoma with a radiologic appearance simulating that of chondrosarcoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors describe four cases of plasma cell tumors with scattered foci of calcification within their matrix, causing them to resemble chondrosarcoma radiographically. Histologic examination was performed in three of these cases.

RESULTS

Biopsy specimens demonstrated that the calcification in these tumors was contained in areas of amyloid deposition. Although amyloid formation in association with plasma cell dyscrasias is well known, sufficient calcification within the amyloid to become radiographically identifiable has only rarely been reported.

CONCLUSION

Calcification in amyloid produced by plasma cell tumors may at times simulate the appearance of chondrosarcoma.