Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP)

Early diagnosis and treatment improves cancer survival

The incidence of cancer is increasing with nearly one in three people being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.  Every two minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer.

Most patients have an obvious site of primary cancer but sometimes cancer is suspected or found in the body but the place where the cancer began is not known. Delays in diagnostic investigations and initiating anti-cancer therapy can have a detrimental effect on these patients’ survival outcome.

In collaboration with Oaks Hospital one of our Consultant Clinical Oncologists, Dr Mukesh, is now offering a comprehensive and affordable specialist service for patients with suspected cancer without an obvious primary.

What is SCUP?

Symptoms of cancer of unknown primary (CUP) will vary depending on where the secondary cancer (or cancers) are but common reasons for suspecting cancer and referring patients for further investigation include:

• GP concern of underlying malignancy
• Lymph node or groin lump
• Abdominal mass or build-up of fluid in the abdomen
• Build-up of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion)
• Unexplained bone pain
• Enlarged lymph nodes seen on ultrasound or CT scan
• Liver or lung deposits found after ultrasound or CT scan
• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue or poor appetite

How can Oaks help?

• You can be seen within 3-5 working days.
• We can carry out further investigations, if required, on the same day/appointment.
• Your diagnostic results will be available within 3-5 days.
• We have access to a team of multi-disciplinary hospital experts depending upon the diagnosis.
• We can put you on a treatment pathway immediately. 
• You can access this service using your health insurance or paying for yourself.

What are the next steps?

• Your GP will need to refer you to a consultant oncologist following a CT or ultrasound scan.
• Phone us on 01206 987669 for prices and to book an initial consultation.
• Meet with Dr Mukesh to discuss your symptoms.
• Further investigations may be recommended such as blood tests, CT scans, ultrasound/CT guided biopsies and fluid aspiration which can all be provided at Oaks Hospital.