Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the body but the place the cancer began is not known. Sometimes the primary cancer is never found. ...

Symptoms

• Swollen, firm, non-tender lymph nodes.
• A mass in the abdomen that can be felt or a feeling of “fullness”
• Shortness of breath.
• Pain in the chest or abdomen.
• Bone pain.
• Skin tumors. • Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
• Weakness, fatigue, poor appetite, and weight loss.

Causes

In general, cancer forms when cells develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. The DNA contains instructions that tell cells what to do. Certain mutations can cause a cell to multiply uncontrollably and to continue living when normal cells would die. When this happens, the abnormal cells accumulate and form a tumor. The tumor cells can break away and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

In carcinoma of unknown primary, the cancer cells that spread to other parts of the body are found. But the original tumor isn't found.

This can happen if:
• The original cancer is too small to be detected by imaging tests
• The original cancer was killed by the body's immune system
• The original cancer was removed in an operation for another condition

More about Treatment

• Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the body but the place the cancer began is not known.
• Sometimes the primary cancer is never found.
• The signs and symptoms of CUP are different, depending on where the cancer has spread in the body.
• Different tests are used to detect (find) cancer.
• If tests show there may be cancer, a biopsy is done.
• When the type of cancer cells or tissue removed is different from the type of cancer cells expected to be found, a diagnosis of CUP may be made.
• Tests and procedures used to find the primary cancer depend on where the cancer has spread.
• Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery).

FAQ

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