What is a Cancer of Unknown Primary?
Cancer of unknown primary is a disease that has metastasized (spread) from another part of the body. The place where it began, also called the primary site, is unknown.
About four of every five cases that are first diagnosed as cancer of unknown primary eventually are confirmed to be specific types of cancer. CUP most often is found in the lymph nodes, liver, lung, peritoneum (lining of the bowel) or bone.
It tends to be aggressive and has often spread to many parts of the body before it is found. In addition, because origin of cancer is unknown, it may be more challenging to choose the best treatment.
Although doctors are at first unable to determine where CUP began, they study the cancer to find out as much as possible about them.
After looking at the cancer cells under a microscope, they usually decide the cancer belongs-
In one of the following categories:
Adenocarcinomas: About six of every 10 cancer of unknown primary cases are adenocarcinomas, meaning they began in gland cells. Most frequently, the primary sites are the lung, pancreas, breast, prostate, stomach, liver or colon.
Poorly differentiated carcinoma: Cancer cells are present, but they do not have enough detail for doctors to decide the type of cancer. Around 10% of these CUP cases are found to be lymphoma, melanoma or sarcoma.
Squamous cell cancer: The cells are flat, similar to cells on the skin or linings of some organs.
Poorly differentiated malignant neoplasm: Cells are definitely cancer, but they are so abnormal it cannot be determined what type of cell or part of the body they began in. Sometimes they are lymphomas, sarcomas or melanomas.
Neuroendocrine carcinoma: This type of CUP begins in the neuroendocrine system, making the cells like nerve cells and hormone-making cells. They are scattered in organs including the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, intestines and lungs.
What About the causes of Cancer of Unknown Primary?
Because the primary site of many cancer of unknown primary cases is never found, it is difficult to say what causes them. In the cases in which the primary site is determined, possible risk factors are based on that type of cancer.
Smoking tobacco is a risk factor in cancers of the pancreas, lungs, kidney, throat, larynx and esophagus.
More than half of people with CUP have used tobacco.
Diet and being overweight are linked to cancers that begin in the stomach, colon or rectum.
However, it has not been proven that any of these factors make a person more likely to develop cancer of unknown primary.
Why choose Us?
Gastrointestinal Center, we have the depth of expertise to provide customized treatment for each patient with cancer of unknown primary (CUP). Our pathology experts have significant experience in evaluating cancer of unknown primary. We use advanced diagnostic methods to pinpoint the origin of CUP tumors, which are then treated by a team of renowned specialists.
Our experts work together in specialized teams that focus an incredible level of knowledge on you. Using the latest, most advanced technology, ACH offers a full range of the most advanced treatments for every diagnosis. Depending on the type of cancer, these may include proton therapy, targeted therapies, surgery and others.
Acarcinoid tumor is a slow-growing type of cancer that can start in any part of the body that has neuroendocrine cells. These cells receive signals from the nervous system and then release hormones into the blood.
This slow-growing type of cancer can start in any part of the body that has neuroendocrine cells. These cells receive signals from the nervous system and then release hormones into the blood. Carcinoid tumors are most common in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the lungs.
The average age of people diagnosed with carcinoid tumors is the early 60s. Carcinoid tumors are more common in African-Americans than in whites. They are slightly more common in women than men. A GI carcinoid tumor makes you more likely to have other digestive system cancers.