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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 01/07/2026 10:32 PM
Question 20031194
Inquiry Details
References:
SEER EOD-88, 3rd Ed, 2. January 1998
Question:
Terms of involvement--Lung: Is "intense uptake" described on a PET scan an indication of involvement? See Description.
Discussion:
We are seeing increasing use of PET scans as diagnostic tools for cancer. PET scans use different terminology than the ambiguous terms listed in the EOD manual. Could we please have guidelines for interpreting PET scans?
Example: Patient with right lung cancer. PET scan showed intense uptake in the mediastinum and in the hilum. Can we code "intense uptake" as involvement of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes?
Answer:
Do not interpret "intense uptake" as involvement. Look for a statement of involvement or other terminology, such as "highly suspicious," "strongly suspicious for" malignancy, involvement, etc.
Cancer Site Category:
Lung
Data Item Category:
N/A
Other Category:
N/A
Year:
2003
