Investigating the adenocarcinoma of unknown origin (ACUP): a cost benefit analysis.
This paper attempts to assess three approaches to the investigation of a patient with histological metastatic adenocarcinoma when the primary tumour of origin is not clear on the initial presentation. These different approaches are evaluated semi-quantitatively. Estimated costs and morbidity of investigations and treatment, increased survival, and improvement in quality of life are taken into account in this analysis. A sample schema of investigation which will maximise the potential benefit as well as minimise the cost to the health service resources and the human cost to the patient is proposed.
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis