Second primaries in cases of cancer of the larynx.

The incidence of second primaries in 1,600 patients treated with radiotherapy for cancer of the larynx is reviewed. Carcinoma of the lung is the most frequent second primary with a significantly higher incidence in supraglottic laryngeal cancer. Because the follow-up of this irradiated population is limited it is not yet possible to estimate the risks of radiation-induced cancer in the entire life span following radiation treatment of cancer of the larynx.