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 calci fication within their matrix, causing them to resemble chondrosarcoma radiographically. Histologic examination was performed in three of the se cases. RESULTS: Biopsy specimens demonstrated that the calcificatio n in these tumors was contained in areas of amyloid deposition. Althou gh amyloid formation in association with plasma cell dyscrasias is wel l known, sufficient calcification within the amyloid to become radiogr aphically identifiable has only rarely been reported. CONCLUSION. Calc ification in amyloid produced by plasma cell tumors may at times simul ate the appearance of chondrosarcoma.