Stages of carcinoma of unknown primary

Stages of carcinoma of unknown primary

When cancer is diagnosed, more tests are usually done to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. This is called staging. But, when CUP is diagnosed, the number and type of tests done may be different for each patient. The treatment options in this summary are based on whether the cancer has just been found (newly diagnosed) or the cancer has come back after it has been treated (recurrent).

The treatment options are also based on where the cancer is found, where the doctor thinks the cancer started, what the cancer cells look like under a microscope, and other factors. A doctor may find that the cancer fits into one of the following groups:

• Cancer in the cervical lymph nodes: cancer in the small, bean-shaped organs that make and store infection -fighting cells (lymph nodes) in the neck area
• Poorly differentiated carcinomas: the cancer cells look very different from normal cells
• Metastatic melanoma to a single nodal site: cancer of the cells that color the skin (melanocytes) that has spread to lymph nodes in only one part of the body
• Isolated axillary metastasis: cancer that has spread only to lymph nodes in the area of the armpits
• Inguinal node metastasis: cancer that has spread to lymph nodes in the groin area
• Multiple involvement: cancer that has spread to several different areas of the body

Glossary Terms

Pertaining to the armpit area, including the lymph nodes that are located there.

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

A case in which cancer cells are found in the body, but the place where the cells first started growing (the origin or primary site) cannot be determined. Also called carcinoma of unknown primary and CUP.

Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

Relating to the neck, or to the neck of any organ or structure. Cervical lymph nodes are located in the neck. Cervical cancer refers to cancer of the uterine cervix, which is the lower, narrow end (the “neck”) of the uterus.

The process of identifying a disease, such as cancer, from its signs and symptoms.

In cancer, refers to how mature (developed) the cancer cells are in a tumor. Differentiated tumor cells resemble normal cells and tend to grow and spread at a slower rate than undifferentiated or poorly differentiated tumor cells, which lack the structure and function of normal cells and grow uncontrollably.

The area where the thigh meets the abdomen.

Invasion and multiplication of germs in the body. Infections can occur in any part of the body and can spread throughout the body. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi. They can cause a fever and other problems, depending on where the infection occurs. When the body’s natural defense system is strong, it can often fight the germs and prevent infection. Some cancer treatments can weaken the natural defense system.

A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called lymph gland.

A cell in the skin and eyes that produces and contains the pigment called melanin.

A form of cancer that begins in melanocytes (cells that make the pigment melanin). It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.

The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a “metastatic tumor” or a “metastasis.” The metastatic tumor contains cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis is metastases (meh-TAS-tuh-SEEZ).

Having to do with metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.

A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.

Cancer that has recurred (come back), usually after a period of time during which the cancer could not be detected. The cancer may come back to the same place as the original (primary) tumor or to another place in the body. Also called recurrent cancer.

Performing exams and tests to learn the extent of the cancer within the body, especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. It is important to know the stage of the disease in order to plan the best treatment.