SEER Inquiry System - Question 20031132 Details

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Question 20031132

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Inquiry Details

References:

SEER EOD-88, 3rd Ed, 111

Question:

EOD-Lymph Nodes--Breast: Are micrometastases in the lymph nodes, found only on immunohistochemical staining, coded as positive lymph nodes?

Discussion:

Answer:

For cases diagnosed 1998-2003: Do not code as positive lymph nodes that have micrometastases diagnosed ONLY on immunohistochemistry. By traditional diagnostic methods, these are still negative lymph nodes.

Summary Stage and EOD ignore the IHC positive micrometastases for cases diagnosed through 2003. The collaborative staging system that begins with 2004 cases and is based on the sixth edition of TNM addresses this issue.

Cancer Site Category:

Breast, Lymph nodes

Data Item Category:

N/A

Other Category:

N/A

Year:

2003