Computed tomography in the evaluation of metastatic adenocarcinoma from an unknown primary site: a retrospective study

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Radiology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1148/radiology.143.1.7063718· OSTI ID:5586687

McMillan, J H; Levine, E; Stephens, R H

Abdominal computed tomography (CT) and other studies were evaluated retrospectively in 46 patients with metastatic adenocarconoma or undifferentiated carcinoma in whom the primary tumor site was not evident from the history, physical examination, or chest radiograph. The primary site was ultimately located in 21 patients (45.7%). CT of the abdomen in particular detected it in 16 patients (34.8%) and demonstrated additional and often unsuspected metastatic disease in 65%. CT proved superior to sonography in both diagnosis and assessment of the extent of disease and had a significantly higher diagnostic yield than contrast studies of the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. Abdominal CT is recommended as the initial modality in patients with metastatic adenocarcinoma of unknown primary origin. If the abdominal scan is negative, it should be followed by pelvic sonography or CT, particularly in women. Contrast studies should be limited to patients with specific organic dysfunction.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Kansas Coll. of Health Sciences, Kansas City
• OSTI ID: 5586687
• Journal Information: Radiology; (United States), Journal Name: Radiology; (United States) Vol. 143:1; ISSN RADLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

550602* -- Medicine-- External Radiation in Diagnostics-- (1980-)
62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE
ABDOMEN
BODY
BODY AREAS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY
DIAGNOSIS
DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
DISEASES
METASTASES
NEOPLASMS
PATIENTS
TOMOGRAPHY
ULTRASONOGRAPHY