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Report Produced: 02/12/2026 10:14 AM

Report Question ID Question Discussion Answer Year
20130032 Primary site--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: How is the primary site coded for plasma cell myeloma with radiologic evidence of multiple lytic lesions? See Discussion.

Patient complained of pain in the right side and back right upper flank area. CT shows an anterior mediastinal mass and abnormal appearance of skeleton. CXR: Age indeterminate T8 compression fracture. CT chest: abnormal appearance of skeleton. Correlate clinically for myeloma or mets. Acute T5 or T8 compression fractures. Anterior mediastinal mass which may represent thymoma, lymph nodes or metastases. 03/22/12 Metastatic Series: Nonspecific hypodensities in pelvis, left hip and right acromion. Possibility of myeloma can't be totally excluded. Bone marrow right post iliac crest core biopsy, clot section and aspirate: plasma cell myeloma.

Should the primary site be coded to the bone marrow because the diagnosis of plasma cell myeloma was supported by radiologic evidence of multiple lytic lesions? The bone marrow biopsy confirmed the radiology reports.

For cases diagnosed 2010 and forward, access the Hematopoietic Database at http://seer.cancer.gov/seertools/hemelymph.

Code the primary site to C421 [bone marrow] per the Heme DB and Rule PH30. The Primary Site(s) section in the Heme DB indicates the primary site for plasma cell myeloma is C421 [bone marrow].

The Primary Site Coding Instructions in the Heme Manual (Rule 1) states that when a specific code is listed under the Primary Site(s) section of the Heme DB it is the only primary site code that can be assigned for that leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome or myeloproliferative syndrome. Applying the PH Rules will result in the same answer for primary site, bone marrow [C421].

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.

2013
20130193 Sex: How is sex coded for a transsexual diagnosed with a testicular primary? See Discussion. The Physical Exam states patient is male. There is a note that the patient is transsexual. There is no indication that the orchiectomy was part of gender reassignment surgery. Code sex to 1 [male]. When the natal sex is known, code that over transsexual. 2013
20130116 Histology/Primary site--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: How are the histology and primary site coded if a pleurocentesis is compatible with plasmablastic plasmacytoma/lymphoma when no further information is available?

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.

2013
20130045 Multiple primaries--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: How many primaries are accessioned if subsequent to a bone marrow biopsy diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia there is an oncology consult note that indicates the pathology finding is suggestive of an underlying myelodysplastic syndrome? See Discussion

5/14/12 Bone marrow biopsy: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

5/21/12 Oncology consult: AML with 30-40% blasts and evidence of del(20q) and del(5q), is suggestive of an underlying myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Hence the patient has secondary AML.

If these are two primaries, how are the diagnosis dates coded?

For cases diagnosed 2010 and forward, access the Hematopoietic Database at http://seer.cancer.gov/seertools/hemelymph.

This case is accessioned as a single primary diagnosed on 5/14/12 as acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related (e.g., del(5q)) changes [9895/3] per Rule M2. The patient was diagnosed with a single histology, acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia-related changes per the submitted information.

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.

2013
20130097 Reportability--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: Are either heparin-induced thrombocytopenia or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia that becomes refractory thrombocytopenia reportable?

For cases diagnosed 2010 and forward, access the Hematopoietic Database at http://seer.cancer.gov/seertools/hemelymph.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is not reportable.

If the diagnosis is changed to refractory thrombocytopenia, then this case is reportable.

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.

2013
20130188 Reportability--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: Is plasma cell neoplasm reportable? See Discussion. A previously submitted question in 2012 stated this was reportable, but recent answers seem to indicate this is not reportable. Please clarify whether this is reportable or not.

For cases diagnosed 2010 and forward, access the Hematopoietic Database at http://seer.cancer.gov/seertools/hemelymph.

Plasma cell neoplasm is not reportable.

We apologize for the confusion that this has caused. The term "plasma cell neoplasm" was not included in the 2010 Heme DB and Manual. It was added to the 2012 Heme DB and Manual after repeated questions were received regarding this diagnosis. After further investigation, this term is being removed from the Manual and DB.

According to WHO, 'Plasma cell neoplasm' is an umbrella term that includes MGUS, plasma cell myeloma, solitary plasmacytoma of bone, immunoglobulin deposition diseases, extraosseous plasmacytoma, and osteosclerotic myeloma. Of these, only plasma cell myeloma, solitary plasmacytoma of bone, and extraosseous plasmacytoma are reportable. Physicians may use the term 'plasma cell neoplasm' when they are not sure what the specific disease is. Plasma cell neoplasm is not reportable; however, follow up on these types of patients is recommended because continued evaluation is likely to determine a more specific disease. A reportable neoplasm may be diagnosed at a later date.

Cases of plasma cell neoplasm diagnosed 2010 or later are not reportable. This change should not have taken place as a result of the update in the 2012 Manual. At this time SEER is not requiring registries to go back and review plasmacytoma or multiple myeloma cases that were collected based on this terminology.

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.

2013
20130055 Primary site--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: How is the primary site coded for a lymphoma with multifocal bone and epidural involvement but no lymph node involvement if the physician does not clearly state the primary site? See Discussion.

MRI Lumbar spine: Bony metastatic disease most evident at L5, L3 and T10. There is marrow tumor in the posterior elements of T12 and T10. The 14 mm epidural mass represents epidural tumor, likely metastatic, extending into the left intervertebral foramen at T12-L1.

PET scan: Hypermetabolic activity corresponding to epidural mass at the level of T12 and L1 concerning for malignancy. Other small areas of hypermetabolic activity in the left mandible and both femoral necks. There is no hypermetabolic activity corresponding to the areas of abnormal marrow edema in the vertebral bodies which enhanced on MRI scan in the lumbar and lower thoracic spine. No lymph nodes mentioned.

Biopsy epidural mass: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with a background of follicular lymphoma, consistent with a large cell transformation. Flow cytometry confirms a mixed large and small cell population of lymphoma (55% large cells).

T12/L1 Bone Biopsy: Bone and marrow with atypical paratrabecular lymphoid infiltrates, suspicious for involvement by follicular lymphoma. Negative for large cell lymphoma.

For cases diagnosed 2010 and forward, access the Hematopoietic Database at http://seer.cancer.gov/seertools/hemelymph.

Code the primary site of the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [9680/3] to C809 [unknown primary site] per Rule PH27. The patient has involvement of multiple bones and an epidural mass with no evidence of nodal involvement. Code the primary site to unknown [C809] when multiple organs are involved without any lymph node involvement, even when there is no statement from the physician regarding primary site.

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.

 2013
20130014 Reportability--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: Is Castleman disease reportable when diagnosed 2010 and later? When checking Castleman disease in the Hematopoietic Database, the result is a reportable histology code 9738/3. However, per an online search, Castleman disease is a very rare disorder characterized by non-cancerous growths (tumors).

For cases diagnosed 2010 and forward, access the Hematopoietic Database at http://seer.cancer.gov/seertools/hemelymph.

Castleman disease, NOS, is not reportable for cases diagnosed 2010 and later. However, when Castleman disease is diagnosed in connection with large B-cell lymphoma [9738/3], it is reportable.

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.

2013
20130031

Multiple primaries--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: How many primaries are accessioned when a plasmacytoma of the intervertebral disc is diagnosed in 2010 followed by a diagnosis of immature plasma cell myeloma by a right hip biopsy in 2011? See Discussion.

The patient was diagnosed with intervertebral disc plasmacytoma and had radiation therapy to the pelvic bones in 2010. In 2011 (more than 21 days later) a right hip biopsy revealed immature plasma cell myeloma. There is clinical documentation that this is progression into myeloma. Per the Heme DB (Primary Site(s) and Definition sections) and Rule PH30, in the Heme Manual, the primary site is coded to C421 [bone marrow] and the histology is coded 9732/3 [plasma cell myeloma] when there is a clinical diagnosis of multiple myeloma and/or there is no documentation of a bone marrow biopsy or the results are unknown. This patient did have a bone marrow biopsy that indicates there are an increased plasma cells present; plasma cells represent less than 10%. The skeletal survey and bone scan did not reveal any further lesions.

Is this progression of disease because there is only one lesion in the right hip 8 months after the diagnosis of plasmacytoma? Or is this a second primary based on the right hip biopsy that showed plasma cell myeloma and the physician's documentation of disease progression? Plasmacytomas are usually single lesions. Would this disease process have multiple lesions if they are diagnosed at different times?

For cases diagnosed 2010 and forward, access the Hematopoietic Database at http://seer.cancer.gov/seertools/hemelymph.

This case is accessioned as two primaries: Plasmacytoma diagnosed in 2010 and plasma cell myeloma diagnosed in 2011 per Rule M10. The patient has a diagnosis of a solitary plasmacytoma (chronic neoplasm) followed by a diagnosis of plasma cell myeloma (acute neoplasm) diagnosed greater than 21 days later.

The physician is calling this a progression to plasma cell myeloma even though the bone marrow has less than 10% plasma cells, take this statement as progression or a clinical diagnosis of plasma cell myeloma.

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.

 2013
20130050 Multiple Primaries/Primary site/Histology--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: How many primaries are accessioned and what is the primary site and histology for each if a 6/12/12 left shoulder mass specimen suspicious for large B-cell lymphoma is followed on 7/10/12 with three skin nodules excised from the back with a diagnosis of "composite lymphoma? See Discussion.

6/12/12 Excisional biopsy left shoulder soft tissue mass: Suspicious for large B-cell lymphoma.

7/10/12 Excisional biopsy three skin nodules of back: "Composite lymphoma" - primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (CD3 pos, CD4 pos, CD30 pos, ALK neg with partial loss of CD5) and CONCURRENT cutaneous follicular center lymphoma (CD20 pos, PAX5 pos, BCL-6 pos, partially CD10 pos) and flow cytometry revealed results compatible with involvement by a lymphoproliferative disorder of T-cell lineage.

Per imaging performed, there was no involvement of lymph nodes or other organs.

Is the primary site C449 Skin, NOS and histology 9718/3 [Lymphoma, primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell] be correct?

Code primary site to C445 [skin, back] and histology to 9718/3 [cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma] .

Per Rule M6, abstract a single primary when two or more types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are simultaneously present in the same anatomic location. For this case, there is cutaneous follicular (follicle) center lymphoma (9597/3) and cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (9718/3).

Per Rule PH22, code the primary site to the site or origin (skin, back) and the histology to the NHL with the numerically highest ICD-O-3 code. In this case, that would be 9718/3.

2013