[jhorner]

Can a plasmacytoma be diagnosed via ultrasound?

by jhorner on Thu Aug 21, 2014 2:22 pm

Hello,

I have had a lump in my left cheek for the last two years and while my ENT doesn't believe it is suspicious, he has recommended routine annual ultrasounds to keep an eye on it. My question is, can a plasmacytoma be diagnosed via ultrasound?

Thanks
J

[Rneb]

Re: Can a plasmacytoma be diagnosed via ultrasound?

by Rneb on Thu Aug 21, 2014 3:05 pm

I suspect that your ENT is suggesting using U/S to monitor, in that it is : much cheaper, less invasive, and much quicker than a CT scan or an MRI.

Properly done, an U/S can chart changes in a mass, over time. It can also be "Overread" by a Radiologist, if need be. Definition is not good on U/S--but if changes are noted, an MRI can be ordered, based upon "Change in Mass". A CT Guided Biopsy could also be ordered, based upon changes.

The other rational consideration is that the "Mass" could simply be a benign growth, a Parotid or Glandular Tumor, a Mixed Tumor, or simply a Cyst ( Sebaceous, mixed, or otherwise).

Cheek ( as a descriptor) is a pretty big "Area".

When in Missouri and you hear hoofbeats,.....

Good luck.

[Dr. Adam Cohen]

Re: Can a plasmacytoma be diagnosed via ultrasound?

by Dr. Adam Cohen on Fri Aug 22, 2014 8:21 pm

The diagnosis of a plasmacytoma generally requires a biopsy showing a collection of malignant plasma cells. So no, you can't diagnose it by ultrasound alone.

As mentioned above, there are a lot of possible causes for a mass in the cheek, many of which are benign. The fact that it has been there for 2 years without growth is reassuring, and continuing to monitor its size and characteristics by ENT evaluations and serial ultrasounds sounds like a reasonable plan.