Multiple primary intrathoracic neoplasms: case report and a review of the literature

This is a case report of a patient diagnosed with three distinct primary intrathoracic tumors (mesothelioma, carcinoid and B-cell lymphoma). The patient had previously had mycosis fungoides. The occurrence of multiple neoplasms in a single patient, synchronous or metasynchronous, is not a rare phenomenon; the incidence varies from 1-11% of all neoplasms. They can be hereditary, or connected with some environmental agents or previous therapies. The incidence of multiple neoplasms increases with age. We report an extremely rare case of multiple intrathoracic neoplasms in a 71-year-old man. A left upper lobectomy was performed, followed by 6 courses of chemotherapy and irradiation of the sternum. The patient was stable two years later.