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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 11/08/2025 3:22 PM
Question 20031153
Inquiry Details
References:
#1: SEER Program Code Man, 3rd Ed, 93. January 1998
#2: 2004 SEER Manual, 78-79
Question:
Laterality/Multiple Primaries (Pre-2007)--Ovary: Are ovarian primaries with bilateral involvement always coded to laterality 4 (bilateral)? See Description.
Discussion:
Example: "Right ovary with mass replacing majority of ovarian tissue consistent with serous adenoca. Lt ovary with foci of adenoca." No specific statement of primary. Can we assume that the malignancy originated in the right ovary since it is more extensively involved or should laterality be coded 4 because both ovaries have tumor?
Answer:
For tumors diagnosed prior to 2007:
If one ovary is listed as the primary site, code laterality to that ovary. The example above is one of those times when you would code to the single ovary. The issue of one or both ovaries being involved is handled in staging.
Abstract the example above as a single primary with code 1 [Right] for laterality.
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:
Ovary
Data Item Category:
Laterality
Other Category:
Multiple primaries
Year:
2003
