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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 12/27/2025 8:00 AM
Question 20210025
Inquiry Details
References:
2021 SEER Manual. Primary Site
Question:
2021 SEER Manual/Primary Site--Ovary, Fallopian Tube: What information takes precedence for coding the primary site in cases with high grade serous carcinoma that are clinically called ovarian but on pathology, the pathologist calls the primary site fallopian tube and the gynecology oncology/managing phsyician continues to call the cases ovarian. Both the ovary and tube are involved. Sometimes also referred to as "tubo-ovarian."
Discussion:
Answer:
When the choice is between ovary, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal, any indication of fallopian tube involvement indicates the primary tumor is a tubal primary. Fallopian tube primary carcinomas can be confirmed by reviewing the fallopian tube sections as described on the pathology report to document the presence of either serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC) and/or tubal mucosal invasive serous carcinoma.
If there is no information about the fallopian tubes, refer to the histology and look at the treatment plans for the patient. If all else fails, you may have to assign C579 as a last resort. Use text fields to document the details.
For additional information, see the CAP GYN protocol, Table 1: Criteria for assignment of primary site in tubo-ovarian serous carcinomas.
