SIMULTANEOUS SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD AND NECK AND RETICULOENDOTHELIAL MALIGNANCIES

Background: Multiple primary neoplasms have been reported in 4% to 26% of patients with a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck . The vast majority of these second primaries are SCC and occur in the upper aerodigestive tract; however, head and neck SCC patients are al so at higher risk for nonepidermoid neoplasms at any site. Reticuloend othelial malignancies (REM) have been reported in many patients that h ave SCC of the head and neck as well. Methods: Retrospective case seri es of 5 advanced cases of SCC of the head and neck with synchronous RE M. Results: There was 40% mortality with 19.4 months mean follow-up. F ifty percent of the cases had simultaneous cervical involvement with b oth processes. Conclusion: REM can occur simultaneously with SCC of th e head and neck and confound staging of nodal status. Head and neck SC C patients are at increased risk for REM secondary to age and treatmen t factors. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company.