Multiple primary bronchogenic carcinomas, with a review of the literature

Abstract

Four cases of dual, primary lung carcinomas are presented. Three are metachronous, one case is synchronous. The average time between the metachronous tumors is 20 months. All the cases have different histological types, with combination of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinomas being the most common. All the patients were male, above 60 years of age and were heavy smokers. A review of the literature is made and diagnostic criteria, epidemiological factors, and prognosis are discussed.