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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 02/13/2026 12:38 PM
Question 20000433
Inquiry Details
References:
2004 SEER Manual, 81-82
Question:
Diagnostic Confirmation: Is it appropriate to code this field to "radiography" confirmation when a CT scan does not actually contain a diagnosis of malignancy, however, the discharge diagnosis in the medical record of "probable malignancy" is likely based on the abnormal CT findings? See discussion.
Discussion:
10/1/02 CT of Chest: 1) Huge (left) suprahilar mass. 2) Moderate volume loss, left lung. Appearance suspicious of LLL collapse. An infiltrate is seen in the aerated upper lobe as well as pleural effusion. 3) Streaky and nodular changes are noted at the right base that may represent possible lymphangetic spread of tumor.
10/23/02 Discharge Dx: Lung mass, probably carcinoma.
Answer:
Code the Diagnostic Confirmation field to 7 [Radiography]. This is appropriate because it was the scan evidence that was used to make the clinical diagnosis.
Cancer Site Category:
N/A
Data Item Category:
Diagnostic confirmation
Other Category:
N/A
Year:
2000
