“Sporadic” Colorectal Tumors in Multiple Primary Malignancies

Abstract

Strategic innovations in the fight against cancer have resulted in improved diagnosis of multiple primary malignancies (MPM). In fact, early detection has translated into an increased reported incidence of MPM, due to the spread of screening programs and to increasingly sophisticated instrumental diagnostic surveys. The high sensitivity and specificity of modern diagnostic technologies are such that second primary malignant neoplasms can be identified in their early stages, during follow-up for the first primary malignant tumor and even if the symptomatology is vague or the findings incidental. Also, the combined approach (with or without a neoadjuvant) to cancer therapy has yielded better long-term survival. In turn, compared to 30 years ago, more patients are being diagnosed with a second primary tumor [1-4].