ABSTRACT
Simultaneous primary tumors (tumors found at the same time or within 1 month of each
other) are not uncommon in head and neck cancer. Most frequently, one lesion is small
relative to the other; however, this is not always the case. When two anatomically
separate simultaneous primary tumors are large, a challenge for the reconstructive
surgeon exists. The authors present a case of simultaneous primary tumors arising
along the left and right mandibular gingiva. Following extirpation of the tumors,
the defects were reconstructed with bilateral free radial forearm flaps. They conclude
that this procedure is an excellent option for reconstruction of anatomically separate
simultaneous defects of the head and neck region. This reconstruction provides an
excellent tissue match for the intraoral region, and can be accomplished with minimal
morbidity in a relatively short operative time.
