Cancer of unknown primary (CUP)

What does "Cancer of unknown primary (CUP)" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

"Cancer of unknown primary (CUP)" refers to a condition where cancer cells are found in the body, but the place where the cancer started, also known as the primary site, cannot be determined. This is because the cancer has already spread from its original location by the time it's discovered. It's like finding seeds blown by the wind in a garden, but not knowing which plant they came from.

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