The most common sites of MFH are the legs and arms. Treatment is often similar to that given for osteosarcoma. MFH can also arise in the soft tissues. PLB, however, starts in the bone. The peak age of people diagnosed with PLB is in the 50-60 yr age group, the disease is slightly more common in men than in women.
Symptoms are usually bone pain and sometimes swelling.
The majority of people with PLB are diagnosed with a single localised tumour. PLB has higher survival rates compared to other types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This can suppress the normal production of blood cells, including those associated with the body's immune system. The plasma cells may collect in the bone to make small tumours known as plasmacytomas. Multiple myeloma is most common in people aged over 60, and is less frequent before the age of 40.