Plasmacytoma with amyloidosis masquerding as tuberculosis on cytology

Amyloid material on lymph node cytology smears can mimic caseous necrosis. We report one such case where a 50-year-old lady presented with a nasal mass and cervical lymphadenopathy. Fine needle aspiration cytology smears of the cervical lymph node were interpreted as tuberculous lymphadenitis based on the presence of an occasional epithelioid cell and caseous material. The patient did not respond to antituberculous therapy and was revaluated. Repeat aspiration from the lymph node showed numerous plasma cells and myeloma cells in addition to the amorphous material which was confirmed to be amyloid on staining with congo red. A diagnosis of plasmacytoma with amyloidosis was rendered. Imprint smears from nasal mass, detailed hematology workup and subsequent histology confirmed the diagnosis.