Multiple synchronous primary malignant neoplasms: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Multiple primary malignant neoplasms (MPMN) are defined as two or more primary malignancies diagnosed in an individual. There is no association between these cancers, which can be classified into synchronous and heterochronous cancers depending on the time of diagnosis. The present study presented a rare case of bilateral breast, endometrial, cervical and ovarian cancers. Through thorough physical examination, pathology and immunohistochemistry, it could be determined that bilateral breast, endometrial and cervical cancers were primary malignant tumors and that ovarian cancer cannot be excluded as a result of metastasis. the present study also summarized the definitions, risk factors, prevalence characteristics, diagnostic ideas and treatment options for MPMN by reviewing the literature.

Keywords: breast neoplasms; endometrial neoplasms; ovarian neoplasms; simultaneous multiple cancers; uterine cervical neoplasms.

Figure 1.

Hematoxylin and eosin staining of cervical site pathological tissue: Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the cervix with an invasive squamous cell carcinoma nest in a local area. Magnification, ×100.

Figure 2.

CT images of tumors at four sites. (A) Images of cervical lump on enhanced CT scan. (B) Images of cervical lump on routine CT scan. (C) Images of right abdominal lump on enhanced CT scan. (D) Images of right abdominal lump on routine CT scan. (E) Images of left breast lump on enhanced CT scan. (F) Images of left breast lump on routine CT scan. (G) The images of right breast lump on enhanced CT scan. (H) The images of right breast lump on routine CT scan. CT, computerized tomography.

Figure 3.

Hematoxylin and eosin staining of other sites of pathological tissue. (A) Ductal carcinoma in situ of the left breast. (B) Invasive carcinoma of the right breast. (C) Invasive carcinoma of the right ovary with localized areas of neuroendocrine differentiation. (D) Highly differentiated endometrioid carcinoma with a maximum diameter of ~5 mm. Magnification: ×100.