The term Malignancy of Unknown Origin (MUO) is used when preliminary testing gives a diagnosis of secondary cancer, but it is not known where in the body the cancer originally began. The term Cancer of Unknown Primary (also referred to as CUP) is used once further specialist testing has been carried out, but the primary cancer remains unknown.
When diagnosed with cancer, it is usually named after the part of the body where the abnormal cells first started to grow, this is also referred to as the primary cancer/ tumour site. For example, cancer that first starts growing in the breast is called primary breast cancer.
Cancerous cells from the primary tumour can separate and spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or the blood stream. These breakaway cells can grow and go on to form tumours elsewhere in the body, this is known as secondary or metastatic cancer.
These secondary cancers can be found in one or more parts of the body, most commonly the lungs, liver, brain and bones.
Teams of doctors can often confirm where a primary cancer originated from using various methods of testing, such as a CT and MRI scans. In some cases, identifying the primary site of the cancer is not possible; in this circumstance a referral to the CUP multi-disciplinary team may be appropriate.
There can be several reasons as to why the primary cancer site cannot be identified, these include:
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The CUP team work together to direct and coordinate a series of specialist tests and investigations in order to try and identify the primary tumour site. This is important as understanding where the cancer originated from guides care and can influence treatments such as chemotherapy.
A biopsy is a minor procedure where a small sample of tissue (or cells) is taken from an area that looks abnormal (this could be an area that looks externally different on the skin, or internally has been highlighted as abnormal on a CT or MRI scan). In many cases, the original site of the cancer can be identified through a series of complex testing on biopsy tissue and the patient can then be referred to the appropriate cancer specialist. 听
In some cases, the primary site is still too complex to be identified, in this case the patient continues to be cared for and treated by the CUP team. True cancer of unknown primary patients accounts for up to 4% of all cancer cases.
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More information can be found on the following websites:听
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Our staff at 91影视 District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status. This is afforded to hospitals that provide the highest standards of care.
