Multiple primary malignancies of laryngeal cancer, small cell lung cancer and squamous cell lung cancer in a patient: how to approach MPMs

Abstract

Lung malignancies presenting in association with head and neck cancers are well documented, while laryngeal cancers presenting with simultaneous small cell lung cancer and squamous cell lung cancer have been rarely reported. We report a case of a man aged 65 years with a triple primary malignancy of the lung and larynx. Without a meticulous approach, the patients may not receive curative aim treatment due to incomplete staging. The patient underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced laryngeal cancer, small cell lung cancer and squamous cell lung cancer followed by combination chemotherapy with etoposide and cisplatin for synchronous double primary lung cancer. Following this therapy, he achieved a complete response of larynx cancer, but a partial response of small cell lung cancer and a stable disease of squamous cell lung cancer. A meticulous diagnostic approach should be encouraged to pursue the possibility of curative treatment and achieve better outcomes for such patients.