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Second Cancers

Childhood cancer survivors have an increased risk of developing a second cancer later in life.

Certain factors related to treatment increase the risk of second cancers. These include the following:

Recommended Related to Cancer

Metastatic Pheochromocytoma

Note: Some citations in the text of this section are followed by a level of evidence. The PDQ editorial boards use a formal ranking system to help the reader judge the strength of evidence linked to the reported results of a therapeutic strategy. (Refer to the PDQ summary on Levels of Evidence for more information.) Treatment Options The most common sites of metastasis for pheochromocytoma or extra-adrenal paraganglioma are lymph nodes, bones, lungs, and liver. Patients with known or suspected...

Read the Metastatic Pheochromocytoma article > >

Radiation therapy may cause solid tumors and leukemia.
Risk of second cancers after radiation therapy is increased if alkylating agents were also used and if the patient is female, was younger at the time of diagnosis, or had Hodgkin lymphoma or soft tissuecancer.
Certain anticancer drugs, such as alkylating agents or platinum drugs, may cause leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.
Survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma have the highest risk of developing second cancers, especially breast or thyroid cancer. Young age at diagnosis and treatment for relapsed disease increase the risk.
Bone marrow transplants increase the risk of tumors later in life.

Childhood cancer survivors with certain genetic syndromes have an increased risk of developing a second cancer.

Some childhood cancer survivors have an increased risk of developing a second cancer because they have certain geneticsyndromes that also placed them at risk of developing the primary cancer. These include the following:

Neurofibromatosis.
Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Familial polyposis.
The genetic form of retinoblastoma.

Frequent and careful follow-up exams are very important for these childhood cancer survivors.

WebMD Public Information from the National Cancer Institute

Last Updated: October 07, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.