National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute
Dictionary of Cancer Terms
Send to Printer
CUP

 Carcinoma of unknown primary. 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 cancer of unknown primary origin.

Previous Definitions:Cubicin, culture, cultured cell, cultured cell line, cumulative dose
Next Definitions:cupping, curcumin, cure, curettage, curette