title: Evaluation and management of malignant cervical lymphadenopathy with an unknown primary tumor.
abstract: Patients with malignant cervical lymphadenopathy without an evident primary site are considered to have an unknown primary tumor.Several management concerns arise in this situation including how best to seek a primary site and, if none is identified, how to treat these patients. This article discusses theories as to the etiology of the unknown primary tumor, diagnostic modalities highlighting the role of emerging technologies, and treatment strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, 88 East Newton Street, Suite D-616, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
authors.forename: Elizabeth J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Mahoney
authors.forename: Jeffrey H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Spiegel
mesh_terms: D002277:Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D009333:Neck; D009382:Neoplasms, Unknown Primary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*