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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 10/29/2025 10:32 PM
Question 20220019
Inquiry Details
References:
#1: Solid Tumor Rules. Other Sites; September 2021 Update
#2: WHO Class Endocrine Tumors, 81-91. 4th edition
Question:
Solid Tumor Rules/Histology--Thyroid: What is the correct histology code for a papillary carcinoma, encapsulated with columnar cell features? See Discussion.
Discussion:
There is an ICD-O histology code for papillary carcinoma, columnar cell (8344/3) as well as papillary carcinoma, encapsulated (8343/3). Per Rule H13, the terms “with features of” may be used to identify a subtype.
Considering these two subtypes, and knowing there is no specific histology code for this combination, is the first rule that applies H17 (code the numerically higher histology code)?
Answer:
Code to papillary carcinoma, encapsulated (C73.9) (8343/3) using Solid Tumor Rules, Other Sites, Rule H11, code the histology when only one histologic type is identified. The usage of features is describing the cellular architecture of the encapsulated papillary carcinoma and does not necessarily indicate a specific histologic type. We consulted with our endocrine specialist pathologist who agrees and indicated terminology used in thryoid neoplasms is inconsistent.
