Multiple primary cancers of the oral and maxillofacial area were found in 19 (6.6%) of 288 patients presenting to the Department of Oral Surgery of Kawasaki Medical School between April 1974 and March 1996. The study group consisted of 14 males and 5 females. Two patients had triple cancers, and one had multiple cancers of the oral cavity. The average interval between diagnosis of the first primary cancer and that of the second primary tumor was 5 years 9 months, and the median interval was 4 years 1 month. Three patients were in stage I, 8 in stage II, 2 in stage M, and 6 in stage N. We performed radical or multidisciplinary treatment in 16 patients, and 12 died. Eight of the 12 patients had metastasis to other organs, particularly the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Therefore, consultation with other medical specialists is essential.
