Some aspects of multiple esophageal and gastric cancer

This paper deals with data on 65 patients with multiple primaries. There were synchronous and metachronous, double carcinomas of the esophagus (8), carcinomas of the esophagus and stomach (18), esophagus and lung (10), and stomach and lung (29). Problems of diagnosis and treatment results are discussed. Indications for surgery should be determined by the extent of the two primaries. Only radical surgery with extirpation of both tumors may lead to relatively favorable results. The treatment only of single carcinoma (either by surgery, or radio- and chemotherapy) is not beneficial in patients with synchronous lesions. Thorough attention should be given to the patient's complaints and adequate follow-up investigation pursued in order to detect second (and following) primaries as soon as possible.