Second Malignant Neoplasms

Miguel N. Burnier Jr., MD, PhD, FRCSC, Chairman, Ophthalmology, McGill University, Montreal, QC.
Vinicius S. Saraiva, MD, PhD, Fellow, Ocular Oncology & Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC.

Second malignant neoplasms (SMN) are nonmetastatic malignancies occurring in patients previously diagnosed with another malignant neoplasm. This clinical entity is becoming increasingly more frequent with the aging of the overall population and better diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Although a reasonable percentage of cases may be explained by genetic, iatrogenic, and/or shared environmental exposure, it is estimated that the majority of cases are sporadic. Recognizing the possibility of SMNs is essential for appropriate and timely diagnosis and treatment, but even more important for the development of preventive strategies.
Key words: oncology, second malignant neoplasms, ophthalmology, eye tumours.