Metachronous Tumours in the Head and Neck in a Retroviral Disease Positive Patient: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Abstract Patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly those seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), face a heightened risk of second primary malignancies (SPMs), with common regions being the head, neck, lung, and oesophagus. This risk amplifies the severity of their clinical condition, as these SPMs contribute significantly to the mortality rates in patients with HNSCC. We detail a case of a young woman, seropositive for HIV, who developed a second squamous cancer in the nasopharynx after achieving remission from her initial oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma through chemo-radiotherapy. This case study highlights the increased vulnerability of HIV-positive HNSCC patients to SPMs, with an observed association of HIV infection leading to a lower overall survival rate. As a result, we recommend long-term follow-up in HNSCC patients with HIV for early detection of SPMs. Our findings emphasize the importance of regular screening for HNSCC, particularly in people living with HIV, to ensure timely detection and treatment, which can significantly improve their prognosis.