SEER Inquiry System - Question 20031204 Details

System Guide

Back to Search Results

SEER Inquiry System - Report

Produced: 06/22/2026 5:32 PM

Question 20031204

Export CSV Export PDF Print

Add to Report

Inquiry Details

References:

#1: SEER App F, 2003+ Surg Codes, F-22. January 2003

#2: 2004 SEER Manual, C-485

Question:

Surgery of Primary Site--Breast: How is this field coded for cryosurgery of the breast?

Discussion:

Answer:

For cases diagnosed 2003 and later: For cryosurgery alone, without a pathology specimen, assign site-specific surgery code 19 [Local tumor destruction, NOS]. Cryosurgery, cryotherapy or cryoablation uses extreme cold to destroy the tumor cells.

If a specimen is sent to pathology use code 20 [Partial mastectomy, NOS] rather than code 19.

If cryosurgery is followed by further surgery, do not use code 19.

Cancer Site Category:

Breast

Data Item Category:

Surgery of Primary Site

Other Category:

N/A

Year:

2003