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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 01/25/2026 12:46 AM
Question 20000420
Inquiry Details
References:
#1: SEER Program Code Man, 3rd Ed, 88
#2: 2004 SEER Manual, 67-68
Question:
Date of Diagnosis--All Sites: Is it better to estimate the month in the date of diagnosis field using the re-excision pathology report date or code the month to unknown if the only available information is the re-excision date? See discussion.
Discussion:
The only available information is the following pathology report:
On 7/18/00 a wide excision of the primary lesion is done. The report reads, "Lesion approximately 1 cm. Residual superficial spreading malignant melanoma with deepest penetration 4 mm."
Answer:
Code the Date of Diagnosis field to 07/2000 for this case. Estimate the month of diagnosis whenever possible.
Given the usual delay between the initial excision of the lesion and a wide excision for a melanoma, estimate the month of diagnosis as July.
Cancer Site Category:
N/A
Data Item Category:
Date of diagnosis
Other Category:
N/A
Year:
2000
