Multiple Primary Malignant Neoplasms in an Elderly Patient

Only a few case reports to date have described patients with three or more cancers. However, the incidence of multiple primary malignancies is increasing due to the improved survival of cancer patients, the prolonged lifespan of the general population, and better diagnostic techniques. This report describes a 73-year-old woman with primary breast, rectal squamous cell, and renal cell carcinomas. This case is unique because, in addition to having three primary malignancies, this patient had rectal squamous cell carcinoma-one of the rarest types of rectal cancer. We discuss screening and prevention of multiple malignancies and rectal squamous cell carcinoma, as well as methods for managing these patients.