Multicentric cancer spread in the mouth cavity and oropharynx

The clinical entity of multicentric cancerisation comprises multiple carcinomas arising from different anatomical sites and widespread carcinomas of multicentric origin. Over a period of 12 years multicentric cancerisation was diagnosed in 42 out of 150 patients (28%) with primary tumours of the oral cavity or the oropharynx. Patients with multicentric cancerisation are younger at the time of diagnosis of their first primary tumour, and their survival rates are worse compared with patients with only primary tumour. We conclude from our results that a routine panendoscopy should be performed in every patient presenting with a carcinoma of the oral cavity or the oropharynx to rule out a synchronous second primary tumour. Furthermore, these patients should be encouraged to stop smoking, to stop drinking spirits and to undergo regular follow-up examination.