Multiple primary malignancies of larynx and lung: detection by cytology

This is a report of a case in which multiple primary malignancies involving the larynx and the lung were initially suspected by means of cytologic examination of sputum specimens and bronchial aspirate. Such multiple cancers, once considered to be highly unusual, are now being reported with increasing frequency. It is emphasized that when two distinct cellular morphologies are present on cytologic smears, the possibility of multiple primary cancer could be considered.