Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP): an update for histopathologists.

ABSTRACT: Carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) is a heterogeneous group of metastatic cancers in which the site of origin is not identifiable. These carcinomas have a poor outcome due to their late presentation with metastatic disease, difficulty in identifying the origin and delay in treatment. The aim of the pathologist is to broadly classify and subtype the cancer and, where possible, to confirm the likely primary site as this information best predicts patient outcome and guides treatment. In this review, we provide histopathologists with diagnostic practice points which contribute to identifying the primary origin in such cases. We present the current clinical evaluation and management from the point of view of the oncologist. We discuss the role of the pathologist in the diagnostic pathway includ

SUBMITTER: Beauchamp K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10713813 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature