MULTIPLE PRIMARY CARCINOMAS OF THE UPPER AERODIGESTIVE TRACT

Multiple primary squamous cell carcinomas in the upper aerodigestive t ract are well described but rare. To be recognised as distinct primary tumours, such malignancies must fulfil a number of anatomical and his tological criteria as defined by Warren and Gates. Classification is b ased on the temporal sequence of tumour diagnosis into three groups; s imultaneous, synchronous and metachronous. Second and subsequent prima ry tumours may escape early detection if not actively searched for. We present a very unusual case of three synchronous tumours in the oral cavity and oropharynx. The literature is reviewed emphasising the impo rtance of thorough investigation of the entire upper aerodigestive tra ct in patients with a squamous cell carcinoma in this region. Recommen dations regarding follow up are also discussed.