The value of postmortem examination in cases of metastasis of unknown origin-20-year retrospective data from a tertiary care center

The following were observed: (1) in this series, autopsy was helpful in establishing the diagnosis of a primary tumor in 51% of the cases, reaffirming the value of postmortem examination in these instances; (2) adenocarcinoma was the most frequent tumor presenting as MUO; (3) the lung and the large bowel were the most frequent sites for primary tumors; and (4) careful gross and histological examinations remain the most important tools in identifying the primary site.