Multiple primary cancers including mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis: case report and literature review with primary care focus.

Abstract

The development of multiple primary malignancies in an individual is rare and unfortunate, and the care of such a patient presents specific challenges. We report the diagnosis and progression of 3 histologically different primary cancers in 1 patient over the course of 15 years. At age 50 years, the patient received a diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder; treatment was successful. When the patient was 64 years old, mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis was diagnosed, and computed tomography performed for staging purposes revealed a lung lesion, which was later diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. Treatment for the adenocarcinoma was also successful, but the patient continues to have recurrence of mesothelioma. To our knowledge, the present report is the first description of a case of 3 primary cancers that includes a mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis. Because mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis is rare, we reviewed the literature on its prevalence, presentation, management, and prognosis.