Multiple primary head and neck squamous cell cancer: Lessons learnt

To analyze the demographic profile, treatment outcome, and factors affecting them in multiple primary head and neck squamous cell cancer (MPHNSCC) patients.

Hospital case records of patients with histopathology proven MPHNSCC registered in the radiation oncology department from January 2008 to December 2020 were retrospectively studied. Modified Warren-Gates criteria were used to define MPHNSCC. Demographic and clinical details were recorded and analyzed.

Twenty-seven patients had histopathology proven MPHNSCC. The median age at diagnosis of an index case was 50 years (minimum 26, maximum 70) with a male to female sex ratio of 22:5. Seventeen (62.96%) patients were tobacco users; either smoked or smokeless. The oral cavity was the commonest sub-site for both an index and second primary malignancy (22 patients; 81.48%) and the majority presented in a locally advanced stage of disease (10; 37.03% and 16; 62.95% for an index and second primary, respectively). The presentation was simultaneous, synchronous, and metachronous in 1 (3.7%), 2 (7.4%), and 24 (88.89%) patients, respectively. Two patients had three sites of MPHNSCC. The average duration of chronicity was 54.37 months (min. 8 and max. 156). MPHNSCC were ipsilateral in 10 (37.04%) patients and re-irradiation was planned for 22 (81.48%) patients with 50% treatment compliance. At the time of the last hospital visit, 18 (66.66%) patients were alive with disease, 7 (25.92%) patients were alive without disease, and 2 (7.40%) patients died of disease.

A higher percentage of MPHNSCC originated from the oral cavity and the majority presented in the locally advanced stage of disease; despite the site being accessible to self-oral examination. Patient education and physician's awareness regarding the MPHNSCC are needed.