[Multiple carcinomas in the upper aerodigestive tract. 1. Oral cavity and oropharynx]

During the last years an absolute increase of tumour incidence of squamous cell carcinoma as well as an increase in the occurrence of synchronous and metachronous multiple primaries in the upper aerodigestive tract can be observed. This study analyses the so-called "multi-centric cancerization" in patients with primary carcinoma of the oral cavity and the oropharynx.

During 2 observation periods of 5 years each, from 1985 to 1994, we retrospectively analyzed 235 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and 232 patients with tumour localisation in the oropharynx. Besides age, sex, tumour localization, TNM-stage and grading, the risk factors tobacco and alcohol were added as causes for the development of multiple primaries.

In the primary localisation of the oral cavity synchronous and metachronous double tumours increased from 7% to 17% besides the absolute increase in tumour incidence. In the oropharynx a total increase of second carcinomas from 3% to 20% was found. At the same time a growing abuse of tobacco and alcohol could be observed.

Panendoscopy during pre-therapeutical staging should be obligatory. Regular oncological controls are mandatory, especially for younger patients with smaller tumours and good prognosis, but a high risk of second primaries. In the long run, prevention has to play a decisive role in the fight against second primary tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract. Possible improvements of early diagnosis, genetical examinations, information campaigns as well as research of carcinogenic environmental pollutants are of foremost interest to the clinician.