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Cancer of unknown primary

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  2. Symptoms

What are the symptoms of cancer of unknown primary?

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Symptoms of cancer of unknown primary vary, depending on where the cancer has spread in the body.

Symptoms may include:

  • a lump or thickening in any part of the body
  • a new or unusual pain that doesn’t go away
  • a cough or hoarseness of the voice that doesn’t go away
  • change in bladder habits (such as more frequent urination) or change in bowel habits (such as constipation or diarrhoea)
  • unusual bleeding or discharge
  • unexplained fever that doesn’t go away
  • night sweats
  • loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.

There are a number of conditions that may cause these symptoms, not just cancer. If any of these symptoms are experienced, it is important that they are discussed with a doctor.

  • Last Updated
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  • Relevant Links
updated: 20 October 2020 - 3:32pm

National Cancer Institute. Carcinoma of unknown primary treatment (PDQ): patient version.

American Cancer Society, Cancer of unknown primary
National Cancer Institute (US), Carcinoma of unknown primary treatment (PDQ®), patient version
Australian Cancer Trials

Related information

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What is cancer?

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Treatment and side effects
Treatment and side effects

The treatment that your doctors recommend will depend on the type of cancer you have, how advanced it is, and other personal factors.

Living with cancer
Living with cancer

A diagnosis of cancer marks the beginning of a journey full of emotional, psychological, physical and practical challenges.

Life after cancer
Life after cancer

While looking forward to finishing their cancer treatment and getting on with life, for some people, the end of treatment can also be a confusing or worrying time.

A-Z List of Cancer Types

Information on more than 70 types of cancer

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  • Lymphoma
  • Melanoma of the skin
  • Mesothelioma cancer
  • Myeloma
  • Neuroendocrine tumours
  • Oesophageal cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Sarcoma
  • Stomach cancer
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  • Thyroid cancer
  • Unknown primary
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About Cancer Australia

Cancer Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2006 to benefit all Australians affected by cancer, and their families and carers. Cancer Australia aims to reduce the impact of cancer, address disparities and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer by leading and coordinating national, evidence-based interventions across the continuum of care.

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