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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 06/17/2026 10:45 AM
Question 20021056
Inquiry Details
References:
2004 SEER Manual, 85
Question:
Histology (Pre-2007)/Terminology: Are "pattern", "architecture", and "architectural pattern" terms that indicate a majority of tumor?
Discussion:
Answer:
For tumors diagnosed 2004 to 2006:
The terminology "Architectural pattern: ____________," when used in the final pathology diagnosis, indicates a subtype that can be coded. This type of format in a pathology report is based on a College of American Pathologists (CAP) protocol. Disregard "pattern" and "architecture" when not used in accordance with the CAP protocol. See www.cap.org for cancer protocols.
For tumors diagnosed 2007 or later, refer to the MP/H rules. If there are still questions about how this type of tumor should be coded, submit a new question to SINQ and include the difficulties you are encountering in applying the MP/H rules.
History:
SEER Program Code Man, 3rd Ed, pages 96-97
For diagnoses prior to 2004:
When coding histology, the August 2002 Coding Complex Morphologic Diagnoses rules and examples take precedence over the SEER Program Code Manual, 3rd edition when coding histology.
The terminology "Architectural pattern: ____________," when used in the final pathology diagnosis, indicates a subtype that can be coded. This type of format in a pathology report is based on a College of American Pathologists (CAP) protocol. Disregard "pattern" and "architecture" when not used in accordance with the CAP protocol. See www.cap.org for cancer protocols.
