About this disease
What it is about
Cancer can basically develop in any tissue of the body. If it is not detected and treated at an early stage, it can spread and spread throughout the body. So-called metastases develop. In rare cases, only the metastases can be identified, but not the site of origin of the cancer. In this case, the cancer is referred to as carcinoma of unknown primary, or CUP for short.
Symptoms and consequences
The symptoms of CUP syndrome depend entirely on which organs are affected and how far the cancer has already spread in the body. Possible symptoms range from painless swelling in the case of lymph node involvement, pain such as in the case of bone involvement, or general symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, or weight loss.
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
In the medical consultation and in the clinical examination, an attempt is made to find the site of origin of the cancer. This is supplemented by other examination methods such as laboratory tests, so-called imaging procedures such as computer tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the taking of tissue samples.
Treatment
Based on the results of the examination, the treatment concept depends on the location of the tumor and the stage of the cancer. The classic treatment options available for cancer are also used for carcinoma of unknown primary: surgery, system therapy (such as chemotherapy) or radiation. If necessary, the forms of therapy are also combined with each other.