Multiple and multifocal carcinomas in female genital organs and breast

Abstract

Sixty-seven cases of multiple primary malignant tumors of the genital organs and breast were analyzed in their different combinations. A percentage of 5.4% of multiple primary tumors was found in a cancer population of 1235. In addition, cases of multifocal primary carcinoma in symmetrical organs (breasts and ovaries) were discussed. A higher incidence of multiple primary cancers was found in embryologically related organs, such as vulva, vagina and uterine exocervix, or endometrium and ovary. Endometriosis with malignant foci was frequently found associated with the multiple primary tumors of the mullerian derived organs. Carcinoma <i>in situ</i> was found synchronously with overt multiple and multifocal carcinoma of the female genital organs and breasts and therefore considered as a previous stage of the carcinomatous progression. The area response of the embryologically related organs was discussed as a factor in the genesis of the multiple and multifocal multiple primary tumors of the female genital organs and breast.