[Second primary tumors in patients with carcinoma of the head and neck]

With improved loco-regional control of cancer of the head and neck, second primary tumors (SPT) have an increasingly negative impact on survival. The appearance of SPT depends on the location and extension of the primary and is associated with lower survival. SPT were studied in a series of 1493 previously untreated patients with carcinoma of the head and neck and a minimum follow-up of 2 years. SPT occurred in 6.3% (96/1493). SPT were associated with the following primary tumor sites: 10.8% (57/727) larynx, 4% (6/153) hypopharynx, 4% (16/404) oral cavity, and 4% (6/153) oropharynx. Forty-three percent (42.7%) of SPT were carcinomas of the head and neck, 27% bronchogenic carcinomas, and 17.7% esophageal carcinomas. Survival at 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years of patients diagnosed as SPT was 62%, 43%, 21%, and 16%, respectively.