Simultaneous carcinomas of the esophagus and upper aerodigestive tract

A review of 150 consecutive head and neck cancer patients over a 22-month period revealed a multiple primary cancer rate of 19%, 9% in the head and neck region. Nine patients (6%) had simultaneous esophageal and head and neck cancers. Complete systematic esophagoscopic examinations, in addition to barium swallow radiographic studies, are recommended for all patients with head and neck cancers.