[Multiple primary cancers of the head and neck].

From January 1985 to June 1988, the authors have treated 138 cases of head and neck cancers. Among this number, six cases (4.3%) involved patients with a multiple primary cancer. With the exception of 1 case, all patients were male with a history of heavy smoking and excessive drinking. The primary cancer of the head and neck was most frequently located in the hypopharynx, and a secondary multiple cancer in the upper digestive tract especially the esophagus. Although we were unable to detect an early esophageal cancer by an esophagogram in some cases, each lesion could be detected by using lugol stain and gastrointestinal endoscopy.