Ward 42

Description: 
This is a file case of myeloma, its isotype unknown. It is presented primarily because its cells approach the morphology of normal plasma cells. See comment.
Comment: 
Mature myelomas of this type are less aggressive than other cytologic variants. Their cells exhibit clumped chromatin. Nucleoli are not especially prominent - if visible at all. Cytoplasm is copious and nucleocytoplasmic ratios are low. Individual cells may be difficult to distinguish from normal plasma cells. 
When the chromatin clumps of such mature-appearing cells assume a clearly clockface distribution, they are known as Marschalko variants. (Morphologic variants of plasma cell tumors. Banerjee SS, Verma S, Shanks J Histopathology 2004, 44, 2-8.).
Slide Image: 
Case Series: 
MATURE MYELOMA
Series No.: 
CASE 1