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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 09/05/2025 6:43 PM
Question 20130116
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.
Code the histology to 9735/3 [plasmablastic lymphoma] and the primary site to C809 [unknown] per Rule PH27.
Code the histology specified when the only histology for the case is preceded by ambiguous terminology. For this case, code the histology to plasmablastic lymphoma because it is the only histology mentioned in the diagnosis.
Per the Heme DB Abstractor Notes section for plasmablastic lymphoma, most patients present with Stage III-IV disease. The positive pleural fluid is likely due to advanced disease. In the absence of any other information for this case, Rule PH27 applies, "Code primary site to unknown primary site C809 when there is no evidence of lymphoma in lymph nodes AND the physician documents in the medical record that he/she suspects that the lymphoma originates in an organ(s) OR multiple organ involvement without any nodal involvement."
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:
Assign 9735 for histology and C809 for primary site.
Code the histology specified when the only histology for the case is preceded by ambiguous terminology. For this case, code to plasmablastic lymphoma (9735).
Use rule PH27 and code the primary site as unknown (C809). See the Hematopoietic DB, abstractor notes for plasmablastic lymphoma. Most patients have Stage III-IV disease, so the positive pleural fluid is likely due to advanced disease. In the absence of any other information for this case, PH27 applies.
