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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 01/10/2026 1:49 AM
Question 20130189
Inquiry Details
References:
#1: 2013 SEER Manual
#2: ICD-O-3
Question:
Reportability--Brain and CNS: Are the terms 'mass' and 'lesion' reportable terms for accessioning brain and CNS primaries? See Discussion.
Discussion:
With respect to reportability, the SEER Manual mentions 'tumor' and 'neoplasm,' but not 'mass' or 'lesion.' The SEER MP/H Manual states tumor, mass, lesion and neoplasm are equivalent terms for determining multiple primaries, but does this apply to reportability? If not, what is the distinction?
Answer:
'Mass' and 'lesion' are not reportable terms for benign/borderline brain and CNS tumors.
Reportable terms for benign/borderline brain and CNS primaries are 'tumor' and 'neoplasm.' These terms appear in the ICD-O-3. 'Lesion' and 'mass' do not appear in the ICD-O-3. Do not use the MP/H Manual to determine reportability; page 2 of the SEER Manual is the correct source for reportability instructions.
