Five tumors over six years in eighth decade of life

Over a period of six years in the eighth decade of his life, a gentleman in our care (referred to as GH) developed five primary malignancies without any known etiological connection. There is little epidemiologic data for patients presenting with more than three primary malignancies. In reviewing some of the latest literature about the characteristics and risk factors of developing the malignancies that GH presented with, we find that aspects of GH's medical history often disagree with this information. We also calculated the probability of the occurrence of GH's specific tumors and find his case is indeed rare. We conclude at this point in time that unknown host or environmental factors may have played a role in this unusual presentation of malignancies. With great interest we continue to follow-up with GH to monitor his health.