In pursuit of the unknown primary

摘要: The case histories of sixty-seven patients were reviewed to evaluate the contribution made by various x-ray and laboratory studies diagnosis treatment systemic metastases from unknown primary tumors. When used as screening procedures, radiographic contrast rarely helpful unless test was indicated appropriate symptoms. large number (8 27) misleading ultrasonic scans rendered that study a major source confusion. Inadequate tissue samples another cause confusion delay. Even with adequate samples, definitive pathologic could be assigned only forty-five sixty-five who underwent biopsy. After extensive diagnostic evaluations, thirty-one received chemotherapy for specific diagnoses. Objective remissions seen in four recipients one five treated without diagnosis. same would have therapy had workup been limited symptomatic systems, sampling, examinations followed "most treatable" disease.