Primary peritoneal carcinoma: a treatable subset of patients with adenocarcinoma of unknown primary.
The syndrome of adenocarcinoma of unknown primary (ACUP) is a frequent problem in both medical and surgical practice. The prognosis is poor, the median lifespan being 4 months. In general, multiple invasive procedures aimed at determining the primary tumour are not warranted due to the low frequency of detecting a tumour for which adequate treatment exists. In this paper we wish to highlight a subset of female patients presenting with malignant ascites and no evidence of a pelvic mass, who on laparotomy were found to have primary peritoneal papillary serous adenocarcinoma. These tumours must be regarded as a potentially treatable subset of patients with ACUP in view of their frequent response to chemotherapy and relatively good prognosis.
Della-Fiorentina
S A
SA
Department of Medical Oncology, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia.
Jaworski
R C
RC
Crandon
A J
AJ
Harnett
P R
PR
D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018283:Cystadenocarcinoma, Papillary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D011379:Prognosis; D013997:Time Factors
D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D016190:Carboplatin