Metastatic tumors of unknown origin
Article Abstract:
Generally, a cancer patient is diagnosed on the basis of his or her primary cancer. Often, if the cancer is potentially treatable, the major concern is whether or not the diagnosis has been made before the unseen spread of metastatic disease has begun. In some cases, the symptoms or tumor responsible for the patient's seeking medical help is not the primary tumor at all, but a metastatic tumor. In many such cases, it is possible to determine the location of the primary tumor from either the characteristics of the case or the histological appearance of the secondary tumor. However, a metastatic tumor may be identified and histologically examined without revealing its origin to the physician or pathologist. Of about 7,000 cancer patients from the UCLA Hospital Tumor Registry, the authors identified 255 cases (4 percent) of metastatic tumors for which the origin could not be determined. When faced with this situation, it is tempting for the physician to engage in a search to determine the location of the primary tumor. The majority of such extended work-ups will not reveal the location of the primary tumor. Furthermore, if the work-up does, indeed, identify the reclusive primary tumor, it is highly unlikely that it will be one for which successful treatment is available. While in some cases the use of advanced imaging techniques may reveal the existence of the primary tumor, the physician should explain to the patient that the search for such a tumor is not likely to improve the prognosis. The author states that curiosity on the part of the physician is not a sufficient reason for engaging in elaborate imaging studies. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Cancer
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0008-543X
Year: 1991
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Histopathologic examination of penile epithelial lesions is of limited diagnostic value in human papillomavirus infection
Article Abstract:
The best way of correctly diagnosing human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may remain laboratory detection of the virus rather than observation of changes in tissue. Researchers examined lesions on penises of 92 men in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics for abnormal tissue changes. All 12 men with condyloma acuminatum were positive for HPV, and half of the remaining 80 patients were also HPV-positive. Abnormal tissue developments were noted in both HPV-negative lesions and in HPV-positive lesions. Neoplasia was the only tissue change that predicted HPV infection. Neoplasia can become malignant cancer.
Publication Name: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0148-5717
Year: 1996
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