METASTASES OF UNKNOWN PRIMARY SITE

Metastases of unknown primary site account for 5% to 10% of all patien ts' cancer. Unfortunately for most patients, therapy is ineffective an d the prognosis is poor; Effective therapy does exist, however, for ce rtain clinical syndromes. Optimal management mandates a focused clinic al diagnostic evaluation and comprehensive pathologic review in order to identify those patients for whom treatment may result in palliation of their symptoms or an improved overall chance for survival.