Carcinoma of unknown primary

Overview

Carcinoma of unknown primary is a diagnosis given when doctors can't determine where a cancer began. Cancers form from mutated cells in one area of the body and can spread (metastasize) to other areas. In carcinoma of unknown primary, the metastasized cells are discovered, but the tumor where they began can't be found.

Carcinoma of unknown primary is a rare and often aggressive type of cancer. Knowing where a cancer began plays a role in determining the best treatment. For this reason, doctors who treat people with carcinoma of unknown primary work to locate the organ where the cancer began. When that can't be determined, doctors use as many clues as they can gather to select the most appropriate treatment for carcinoma of unknown primary.

Read more about cancer.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for carcinoma of unknown primary

• Teamwork. At Mayo Clinic, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, radiologists and pathologists work as a multidisciplinary team to determine the best treatments for people with carcinoma of unknown primary. Other professionals are included as needed.
• The latest technology to aid in diagnosis. Mayo Clinic doctors have access to the latest technology to help them investigate where carcinoma of unknown primary began. Even when a primary site can't be determined, these tests give doctors clues that aid in selecting the best treatment. Radiologists use advanced imaging technology to search for signs of cancer. Pathologists have cutting-edge laboratory tests available to analyze cancer cells for clues of their origin. Doctors and hospitals around the world send biopsy samples to Mayo Clinic pathologists for evaluation.
• Experience. Carcinoma of unknown primary is an uncommon type of cancer. Mayo Clinic doctors have experience treating many cases of carcinoma of unknown primary.
• A full range of treatment options to consider. Mayo Clinic doctors will work with you to review all of your treatment options and choose the treatment that best suits your needs and goals. The range of treatments offered to people with carcinoma of unknown primary includes chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, which recognizes scientific excellence and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

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