Cardiac tumors are extremely rare. Here, we report an unusual case of cardiac plasmacytoma that occurred 11 years after complete remission of the original multiple myeloma (MM). The tumor primarily manifested as a solitary extramedullary plasmacytoma (SEP) with extensive infiltration into the heart and large vessels. There was no evidence of systemic involvement. The relapsing tumor assumed a unique immunophenotype from CD138+/CD38+/CD56-to CD138-/CD38+/CD56-. The patient responded to chemotherapy consisting of carfilzomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone. This case highlights the importance of multimodal imaging evaluation and tissue diagnosis for accurately characterizing this rare disorder.
BACKGROUND
Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare subtype of non-small-cell lung cancer, commonly associated with locally advanced disease, early metastasis, and poor prognosis. Tongue metastasis from lung cancer is a rare condition that may occur in advanced stage of the disease.
CASE SUMMARY
The patient was a 70-year-old female with a history of resected pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) who presented with subacute tongue swelling, imparting the clinical impression of a lingual abscess. However, histologic examination of the partial glossectomy revealed a high-grade, poorly differentiated spindle and epithelioid carcinoma consistent with metastatic PSC.
CONCLUSION
Although uncommon, clinicians should be cognizant of the possibility of a metastatic process to the tongue mimicking a benign or inflammatory process. A high index of suspicion for metastatic disease should be maintained when tongue swelling is observed in patients with a known history of PSC.
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