Which type of tumor is characterized by the proliferation of plasma cells?

The proliferation of plasma cells is a defining characteristic of plasmacytoma. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies, and their neoplastic proliferation leads to this specific type of tumor. Plasmacytomas are often recognized in various locations within the body — primarily within the bone marrow, but they can also be found in extramedullary sites.

In the context of small animal pathology, recognizing plasmacytomas is essential as they can arise in conditions such as multiple myeloma, which is a more systemic form involving widespread plasma cell proliferation. Tumors such as carcinomas and sarcomas are characterized by different types of malignant cell origins and do not involve the proliferation of plasma cells. Carcinomas originate from epithelial tissues, while sarcomas arise from mesenchymal tissues. Chondromas, on the other hand, are benign tumors derived from cartilage and similarly do not involve plasma cell proliferation.

This understanding of tumor types and their characteristics is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning in veterinary medicine.