Two cancers at the same time: What causes it? Doctor explains

For 12 months, she suffered persistent bloating, nausea, backache and joint pain. Little did the 51-year-old know that her body was fighting two battles at once - Multiple myeloma and pancreatic cancer. This condition, of having two cancers at the same time, is seen in fewer than 0.5% of people globally. However, thanks to timely medical intervention, the patient could benefit from some solid help. It's the doctors at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi who treated the rare case. How can two cancers happen at the same time and how did the doctors handle it?

Synchronous malignancies
When two or more primary cancers are diagnosed in a patient within six months of each other, the condition is called synchronous malignancies. Apparently, about one in 20 people has this condition. According to the American Oncology Institute, genetics, environmental exposure, treatment side effects and ageing are the major factors contributing to multiple cancers in an individual at the same time. The condition also presents a unique challenge to the healthcare team in medical management. 

How the cancers were treated
Dr Shyam Aggarwal, chairperson of the department of medical oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said that what they encountered with their 51-year-old patient was an extremely challenging situation. The key clinical decision was prioritising treatment to maximise patient outcomes. 

The hospital started treatment for the blood cancer using a combination of medicines. They controlled the pancreatic tumour with injections and provided supportive care. The hospital said the patient's condition improved within weeks, and she achieved remission in three months.

Following stabilisation, the patient underwent surgery to remove part of the pancreas and spleen, the hospital said. The patient is currently undergoing follow-up treatment and is scheduled for a stem cell transplant, with both cancers under control, according to the hospital. Dr Aggarwal added that the case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and coordinated care in managing complex diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of cancers can be diagnosed simultaneously?
According to Apollo Hospitals, the following can be diagnosed together in the same individual:
a) Breast and ovarian cancer
b) Brain and lung cancer
c) Rectal and colon cancer
d) Head and neck cancer with oesophageal cancer
e) Bladder and prostate cancer

2. What environmental factors can lead to multiple cancers at the same time?
Radiation, tobacco smoke and various chemical exposures can increase the risk of multiple cancers at the same time.
3. What are the symptoms of having multiple cancers at the same time?
Headache, blurred vision, dizziness, breathing difficulties, cough, skin changes, new growths, moles, lumps, extreme fatigue and unexplained pains are a few of the symptoms of multiple cancers at the same time.

4. What are the challenges of treating multiple cancers at the same time?
The emotional impact of the condition can cause considerable strain on a patient. Moreover, treatment planning, overlapping symptoms, delayed detection, and the complexity of testing procedures can pose considerable challenges for the medical team.
5. What is the survival rate in those with multiple cancers?
The survival rate depends on the stage at which the cancers were diagnosed, how much they have spread, genetic factors, and the patient's overall health. Often, early-stage cancers have better survival rates. 
(With PTI inputs)