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SEER Inquiry System - Report
Produced: 06/22/2026 4:49 AM
Question 20260015
Inquiry Details
References:
#1: 2026 SEER Manual. Reportability section
#2: Subject matter expert
Question:
SEER Manual/Histology--Ovary: How are Primary Site and Histology coded for a serous borderline tumor of the right ovary with malignant cells in the ascitic fluid? See Discussion.
Discussion:
Patient has a CT of the abdomen and pelvis that shows a 11.6 cm mixed cystic-solid right adnexal mass most concerning for malignancy. She then has a right salpingo-oophorectomy with numerous adhesions throughout abdomen/pelvis; mass emanating from right ovary, well encapsulated, filling the entire cul-de sac pelvic cavity; left ovary not found, uterus absent.
Pathology: Right Ovary Integrity: Capsule ruptured; Tumor Site: Right ovary; Tumor Size: Greatest Dimension (Centimeters) - 7 cm; Histologic Type: Serous borderline tumor; Histologic Grade: GB, borderline tumor; Ovarian Surface Involvement: Not identified; Fallopian Tube Surface Involvement: Not identified; Implants: Not sampled; Other Tissue / Organ Involvement: Not applicable; Peritoneal / Ascitic Fluid Involvement: Malignant cells present; Chemotherapy Response Score (CRS): No known presurgical therapy; REGIONAL LYMPH NODES Regional Lymph Node Status: Not applicable (no regional lymph nodes submitted or found)
pT Category: pT1c3; pN Category: pN not assigned (no nodes submitted or found); FIGO Stage: IC3
Answer:
Report this ovarian tumor as histology 8442/3. Our subject matter expert, a specialized pathologist who deems this case reportable, advises if a rupture occurs, the presence of borderline tumor cells in peritoneal fluid is considered true tumor spread and malignant. Both ICD-O-3.2 and ICD-O-4 classify this as behavior /1 (Serous borderline tumor, NOS); however, based on the matrix rule, you should be able to update the behavior to /3. If you cannot override or enter it into your software, please contact your vendor.
Cancer PathCHART guidance for 8442/3 in the ovary recommends using 8460/3 (Low-grade serous carcinoma) or 8461/3 (High-grade serous carcinoma). Code 8442/3 should be used only when the grade cannot be determined.
