[Second primary tumors in patients with pharyngo-laryngeal carcinoma]

The risk of second primary tumors of the respiratory and upper digestive tract developing in patients treated for head and neck cancer is well known. In these cases, the entire mucous membrane surface of the tract is affected and predisposed to metachronous or synchronous neoplasms. The mucosa of these patients is extremely susceptible to external carcinogenic stimuli. We report the results obtained in 83 patients with cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx who experienced at least one second primary tumor. The most common site of the second primary was the lung (43.2%). We reviewed tobacco and alcohol use, treatments, and survival.