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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 03/30/2026 6:33 PM
Question 20021030
Inquiry Details
References:
#1: SEER Program Code Man, 3rd Ed, 102, 103
#2: 2004 SEER Manual, 93-94
Question:
Grade, Differentiation--All Sites: Why was the decision made not to code all "3-component differentiation systems" the same way that Bloom-Richardson is coded? For example, SEER codes a low grade BR to 1 for the Differentiation field and a low grade for other grading systems to 2. See discussion.
Discussion:
Our Pathologist Consultant agrees with SEER's guideline to code the Bloom-Richardson and B&R modifications of low, intermediate and high to 1, 2 and 3 respectively and thinks all 3-component systems should be coded that same way because it better represents the differentiation of the tumor. In his opinion, coding all other 3-component systems to a differentiation of 2, 3 and 4 respectively, is overstating the degree of differentiation.
Answer:
The rules for coding histology are approved and used by all of the major standard setters through agreements reached in the NAACCR Uniform Data Standards Committee. This issue is under review by our medical advisors and a special committee. Changes will be taken to the Uniform Data Standards Committee for review and approval.
Cancer Site Category:
N/A
Data Item Category:
N/A
Other Category:
N/A
Year:
2002
