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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 10/26/2025 10:07 AM
Question 20031193
Inquiry Details
References:
#1: SEER PCM, 3rd Ed, Rev 1, F-17. January 2003
#2: 2004 SEER Manual, 393
Question:
Surgery of Primary Site--Lung: Is a core-out of the main bronchus coded in this field? See Description.
Discussion:
Patient with right lung cancer was not a surgical candidate because of extent of disease. Prior to receiving radiation, patient underwent bronchoscopy, which revealed obstruction from right main bronchial tumor. Core-out of the tumor was undertaken, and a specimen was sent for path evaluation. The physician stated that this was a palliative procedure to relieve obstruction.
Answer:
Do not code bronchoscopy to clear the airway as surgery of primary site. When combined with laser therapy, cryosurgery, or other tumor destruction, or when combined with excision of tumor, code as surgery of primary site.
For cases diagnosed 1998-2003: Code surgery of primary site for the case described above to 23 [Excision, NOS]. Tissue was excised and sent to pathology.
Cancer Site Category:
Lung
Data Item Category:
Surgery of Primary Site
Other Category:
N/A
Year:
2003
