title: Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in a female with advanced breast cancer: A case report of an elderly patient presenting with two types of cancer.
abstract: Elderly patients with cancer are frequently undertreated as they are considered to be unfit for treatment due to inaccurate estimations of the operative risk. In the current study, the case of an 81-year-old female smoker with advanced breast cancer is presented. The patient had received numerous cycles of chemo- and hormonal therapy and the cancer only progressed locally. After six years, the patient developed a second type of cancer; a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. The patient refused any local treatment and she received supportive care only. There is currently a lack of data regarding the molecular mechanisms of second primary cancers as well as other delayed outcomes following cancer treatment. Therefore, it is proposed that chemotherapy may promote the presentation of the second cancer as a result of immunosuppression.
authors: Medical Oncology Unit, The San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Frattamaggiore, Naples 80027, Italy.
authors: Raffaele
authors: R
authors: Addeo
authors: ORL Unit, AORN Cardarelli, Naples 80100, Italy.
authors: Alberto
authors: A
authors: Napolitano
authors: Medical Oncology Unit, The San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Frattamaggiore, Naples 80027, Italy.
authors: Liliana
authors: L
authors: Montella
authors: Department of Clinical Otology, ENT Clinic, 'Federico II' University, Naples 80131, Italy.
authors: Filippo
authors: F
authors: Ricciardiello
keywords: breast cancer; chemotherapy; immunosuppression; squamous cell carcinoma