Simultaneous Malignant Tumors in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Of all patients with one malignant tumor, 5% will develop a second primary malignant tumor within one year. In a seven-year period, 20 patients with head and neck primary tumors were found to have simultaneous malignant tumors. Management of patients with this specific problem varies with the location, extent, and nature of the separate tumors, but in general they should be treated as though each tumor arose separately. A high index of suspicion and a careful history and physical examination with appropriate consultation are important in making the diagnosis of simultaneous malignant tumors.