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Abstract: The concept that a patient could develop cancer twice was first put forward by Billroth. This study, in a retrospective way examines 125 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, that were treated by surgery, and some receive radiation and chemotherapy, between 1993 and 1996. The second primary rate was 10.4% (13 cases). The sites for second tumors were: oral cavity (four cases), esophagus, lung and oropharynx with two cases; and one case in larynx, breast and skin's melanoma. Radiation and chemotherapy to the index tumor was not associated with an increased risk of developing a second tumor. The authors conclude that second primary tumor in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck are not uncommon and must have a closely ambulatory follow-up with clinical and endoscopy evaluation.
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