Tumor of unknown primary site Book Section
| Authors: | Varghese, A. M.; Saltz, L. B. |
| Editors: | Holland, J. C.; Breitbart, W. S.; Butow, P. N.; Jacobsen, P. B.; Loscalzo, M. J.; McCorkle, R. |
| Article/Chapter Title: | Tumor of unknown primary site |
| Abstract: | (from the chapter) Cancer of unknown primary constitutes a heterogeneous group of metastatic cancers. With a few notable exceptions, these patients carry a poor prognosis, and therapy is strictly palliative. Proper clinical management includes careful evaluation to rule out the more treatable possible primaries and histologies and to rule out those specific subgroups of cancer of unknown primary (CUP) for which specific aggressive therapies have been shown to be efficacious. If clinical and pathological investigations fail to identify a favorable prognostic histology or subgroup, the team has an obligation to protect the patient from unwarranted exhaustive searches for the primary and to communicate effectively to the patient the lack of utility of such searches. Psycho-oncologists must be cognizant of the patient's perception and the potential psychological impact of the term "unknown" on CUP patients and their families. Patients may experience many negative emotions (i.e., anger, frustration, anxiety, depression) that can interfere with normal adjustment. Given the uncertainty that constitutes CUP, the psycho-oncologist should act to improve communication between the patient and physician regarding CUP'S prognosis, treatment, and the insignificance of locating an unknown primary when other subtypes. Research is needed to further identify the prevalence and nature of psychosocial issues in this population, as well as the development of interventions designed specifically for patients with CUP. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved). |
| Keywords: | oncology; tumor; psychosocial issues; prognosis |
| Book Title: | Psycho-Oncology. 3rd ed |
| ISBN: | 978-0-19-936331-5 |
| Publisher: | Oxford University Press |
| Publication Place: | Oxford, UK |
| Date Published: | 2015-01-01 |
| Start Page: | 162 |
| End Page: | 167 |
| Language: | English |
| ACCESSION: | Book: 2014-48591-024 |
| DOI: | 10.1093/med/9780199363315.003.0024 |
| PROVIDER: | Ovid Technologies |
| PROVIDER: | psycinfo |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Book Chapter: 24 -- Source: PsycINFO |
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