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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 02/02/2026 7:56 PM
Question 20120037
Inquiry Details
References:
Heme & Lymph Manual & DB
Question:
Discussion:
Answer:
For cases diagnosed 2010 and forward, access the Hematopoietic Database at http://seer.cancer.gov/seertools/hemelymph.
Per the Abstractor Notes in the Heme DB, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is unusual in that the majority of cases arise in body cavities, such as the pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal cavities. Because there are no ICD-O-3 codes for the pleural space, pericardium, or peritoneal cavity, code the primary site to pleura C384 when the neoplasm arises in the pleural cavity, to pericardium C380 when it occurs in the pericardium, and to peritoneal cavity C482 when it occurs in the peritoneum.
Typically only one body cavity is involved. However, if multiple regions are positive for PEL as in this case, code the primary site to C809 per Rule PH27. Rule PH27 indicates one is to code the to primary site C809 when there is no evidence of lymphoma in lymph nodes AND the physician in the medical record that he/she that the lymphoma in an
SEER*Educate provides training on how to use the Heme Manual and DB. If you are unsure how to arrive at the answer in this SINQ question, refer to SEER*Educate to practice coding hematopoietic and lymphoid neoplasms. Review the step-by-step instructions provided for each case scenario to learn how to use the application and manual to arrive at the answer provided. https://educate.fhcrc.org/LandingPage.aspx.
History:
This SINQ question has been updated to the Hematopoietic & Lymphoid Neoplasm Manual & Database published January 2014.
The original answer below was written based on the rules in 2012
For cases diagnosed 2012 and later, access the Hematopoietic Database at
http://seer.cancer.gov/tools/heme/.
Click on Hematopoietic Project. Click on Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Database. The 2012 Hematopoietic Coding Manual (PDF) will appear which indicates the correct version of the program is available now for query.
The primary site is coded to pleura [C384]. The steps used to arrive at this decision are as follows:
Enter in the Heme DB to find the histology. Click on the SEARCH button. Ensure that the term "Primary effusion lymphoma" [9678/3] is highlighted on the screen.
Refer to the ABSTRACTOR NOTE section and Module 7 as indicated under the PRIMARY SITE(S) section because one specific primary site is not stated for this disease process. Also, review the DEFINITION section which indicates that this lymphoma can present as a serous effusion without detectable tumor masses.
Scroll down to the ABSTRACTOR NOTE section which indicates that the "majority of cases arise in body cavities, such as the pleural, pericardial and peritoneal cavities. Because there are no ICD-O-3 codes for the pleural space, pericardium, or peritoneal cavity, code the primary site to pleura C384 when the neoplasm arises in the pleural cavity, to pericardium C380 when it occurs in the pericardium, and to peritoneal cavity C482 when it occurs in the peritoneum." Code the primary site for this case to C384 [pleura] as indicated in the ABSTRACTOR NOTE section. The patient has involvement of the pleura based on the positive pleural effusion.
