Synchronous laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: a case report and literature review

Synchronous primary malignancies are defined as two histologically distinct tumors arising in different anatomical sites within six months. Although tobacco exposure is a recognized shared carcinogenic factor, the coexistence of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and bladder urothelial carcinoma remains rare. We report the case of a 75-year-old man with a 40 pack-year smoking history who presented with progressive dysphonia. Imaging revealed a locally advanced laryngeal tumor and an incidental bladder lesion. Histopathological examination confirmed a well-differentiated laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and a low-grade non-muscle-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma of the bladder, fulfilling the Warren and Gates criteria for synchronous primary tumors. The patient underwent induction chemotherapy for laryngeal preservation and transurethral resection of the bladder tumor followed by surveillance. This case highlights the importance of systematic screening and multidisciplinary management in high-risk patients.