SEER Inquiry System - Question 20031152 Details

System Guide

Back to Search Results

SEER Inquiry System - Report

Produced: 11/07/2025 12:08 PM

Question 20031152

Export CSV Export PDF Print

Add to Report

Inquiry Details

References:

#1: SEER Program Code Man, 3rd Ed, 5. January 1998

#2: 2004 SEER Manual, 85

Question:

Ambiguous Terminology/Histology (Pre-2007): How do we code histology when there is a difference between the histology mentioned on a suspicious cytology and the clinical diagnosis by the treating physician? See Description.

Discussion:

An FNA of pancreas is stated as "highly atypical cells present, suspicious for pancreatic ductal carcinoma." The attending physician states the patient has pancreatic carcinoma. Can histology be coded 8500/3 [infiltrating duct carcinoma, NOS] or should it be 8010/3 [carcinoma, NOS]?

Answer:

For tumors diagnosed prior to 2007:

Code the histology from a suspicious cytology when this histology is supported by the clinical diagnosis.

Code the example above to 8010/3 [Carcinoma, NOS].

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.

Cancer Site Category:

N/A

Data Item Category:

Histology

Other Category:

Ambiguous terminology

Year:

2003