A second primary squamous cell carcinoma arising in a radial forearm flap used for reconstruction of the hypopharynx.

A 63-year-old man had undergone hypopharyngectomy for hypopharyngeal carcinoma in 1985. A free radial forearm flap was used for reconstruction of the pharynx. Ten years after the surgery, a second primary squamous cell carcinoma occurred in the neopharynx. Persistent exposure to alcohol, saliva and foodstuffs was considered as a possible cause of second primary carcinoma. Long-term follow-up is indicated in patients undergoing reconstruction using cutaneous or musculocutaneous flaps.