Multiple primary carcinoma of the oesophagus.

A retrospective evaluation of 239 patients with primary oesophageal carcinoma who underwent oesophagectomy without preoperative treatment revealed 45 cases (18.8%) of multiple primary oesophageal carcinoma (MPEC). The average age of the patients with MPEC was significantly lower than that of patients with single primary oesophageal carcinoma (SPEC) (P = 0.005). The incidence of association with pharyngeal malignancy was higher in patients with MPEC than in those with SPEC (P = 0.080). The number of patients in the category representing a combination of heaviest alcohol and cigarette use was significantly higher in the MPEC patients (P = 0.035). The high incidence of MPEC points to a need for careful checking of the oesophagus at the time of surgical treatment for oesophageal carcinoma. Low age at onset, a combination of heavy smoking and drinking, and association with pharyngeal malignancy are considered to be high-risk factors for MPEC.