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← Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP)

FOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING

The information that is known about the cancer is used to plan treatment.

Source: Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.

Source updated: December 17, 2021 · Captured 2026-09-09.

Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.

Doctors use the following types of information to plan treatment:

The place in the body where the cancer is found, such as the peritoneum or the cervical (neck), axillary (armpit), or inguinal (groin) lymph nodes.

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The type of cancer cell, such as melanoma.

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Whether the cancer cell is poorly differentiated (looks very different from normal cells when viewed under a microscope).

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The signs and symptoms caused by the cancer.

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The results of tests and procedures.

Whether the cancer is newly diagnosed or has recurred (come back).

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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice