Pathogenesis of selected multiple primary neoplasms

Introduction and aim. Multiple primary tumors are defined as having more than one primary tumor in a different organ location in the same person. Therefore, it is important to know pathogenesis of multiple primary neoplasms to discover new forms of primary prevention and secondary prevention, especially connected with genetic tests which are important for the future of medicine as a part of personalized medicine. The aim of the study is to present selected aspects of the pathogenesis of multiple primary neoplasms. Material and methods. PubMed databases and Google Scholar were searched. Analysis of the literature. The rising risk of developing multiple primary cancers is a consequence of the progressive growth and ageing of the population and development of cancer in patients previously treated for cancer. The formation of secondary neoplasms may be multifactorial – to a large extent it is associated with genetic factors that may facilitate neoplastic transformation, for example as a result of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, inherited syndromes, environmental factors such as tobacco or alcohol, sometimes random somatic mutations. Conclusion. Knowledge of the pathogenesis of multiple primary tumors can contribute to a better understanding of the problem, as well as help in the prevention or early diagnosis of multiple primary tumors (primary and secondary prevention).