Hello and thanks for posting

I'm sorry your relative has been diagnosed with cancer of unknown primary (CUP)

CUP means that cancer spread (secondary cancer) has been found in the body, but doctors don't know where the cancer originally started (the primary tumour). This may be because the cancer is too small to be seen on scans,or it is hidden beside or behind a larger secondary cancer, or the body’s immune system has got rid of it, but the secondary cancer is still growing.

You can read more about CUP and how it is treated on our website.

Some people like to ask for a second opinion with another oncology (cancer) team as they want to explore all possible options. If this is something that your relative would like to do, he could ask his GP or current specialist to refer him. We have some general information about getting a second opinion on our website.

I'm afraid we do not recommend specific specialists or treatment centres, but we are aware of two large NHS cancer treatment centres that may consider offering a second opinion. These are the Royal Marsden Hospital (London) and the Christie Hospital (Manchester). The Private Health website has information about private hospitals in the UK.

I hope this is of some help. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene