Rare Cancers Australia
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Overview
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is the name given to a cancer when tests can't find where it started in the body. Doctors can tell the cancer has spread from somewhere else, so it is a secondary cancer, but they can't find the original (primary) tumour.
Even though the primary site is unknown, doctors can still treat the cancer based on the test results and the type of cells found.
Any cancer diagnosis can be a shock, and a CUP diagnosis can feel especially confusing and frightening. Find helpful information in Just diagnosed and Living with advanced cancer, or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to talk it through with our qualified professionals.
What's in this booklet
About cancer of unknown primary
Read more about different types of CUP, why the primary cancer can't be found, who gets CUP, and which health professionals may be involved in your care.
Symptoms and risk factors
Symptoms depend on where the cancer has spread to in the body. Learn about common symptoms such as pain, fatigue, weight loss or swelling, and possible risk factors.
Diagnosis
Find out about tests like scans, blood tests and biopsies. Doctors use these to try to find the primary cancer and understand more about the CUP cells.
Treatment
The most common treatment for CUP is chemotherapy. Other treatments may include radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Managing symptoms and side effects
Your treatment team will help you manage CUP symptoms and side effects. These vary, but can include pain, fatigue, nausea, appetite loss and breathlessness.
Living with a CUP diagnosis
Living with CUP can be challenging because of the uncertainty around the diagnosis. Your treatment team and services such as Cancer Connect can provide support.
Questions for your doctor
It can be a good idea to prepare a list of questions before your appointments. See our list of questions about cancer of unknown primary.
Relevant support
Head and Neck Cancer Australia
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