Multiple Second Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas in a Nonsmoker and Nondrinker Woman: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Aim: This manuscript aims to describe an unusual case of multiple second primary squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in several sites of the oral mucosa in a nonsmoker and nondrinker woman and to discuss the diagnostic criteria, clinicopathological aspects and outcome of second primary tumor (SPT). Background: Patients treated for SCC of the head and neck are at high risk for developing SPT arising from the same dysplastic mucosal field. Currently, there is no reliable method to predict which of the patients will develop SPT. Case description: A 64-year-old nonsmoker and nondrinker woman developed several second primary oral SCCs in 7 years of follow-up, most of them being synchronic, treated by surgery without and with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conclusion: Patients treated for SCC require a long-term and careful follow-up as the development of SPT contributes with significantly negative impact on the prognosis. Clinical significance: This report describes the diagnosis and management of a very unusual case of several SPTs affecting different sites of the oral mucosa in the same patient. Moreover, the patient had no apparent risk factors associated with the development of the oral cancer. Therefore, a brief update concerning SPT and its diagnosis and management is also provided.