Multiple malignant tumors

Abstract

Background: Due to the improvement in diagnosis and therapy for certain malignant tumors, we are now faced with patients who develop in time multiple malignancies.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the patients diagnosed with at least two primary cancers that were admitted and treated in Cluj-Napoca Municipal Hospital. The study followed patients for a period of 7.5 years.

Results: We included in the present study 217 patients (4.33%) with two or more malignant primary tumors from 5003 cases diagnosed with a primary cancer. The most common sites for multiple malignant tumors were related to the breast, colorectum, urinary bladder, prostate and kidneys.

Conclusions: We should always take into consideration the possibility of synchronous tumors and we have to keep in mind that a successful treatment of cancer might not prevent the onset of another primary mass.