System Guide
Back to Search Results

Search Results

Display Options
Display Options
Select Fields
Export Results to CSV Create Report 0
+ Add all results to report

Report Produced: 03/01/2026 19:50 PM

Report Question ID Question Discussion Answer Year
20130136 Multiple primaries--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: If a neoplasm is listed under the Transformations section in the Heme DB, is this always a new primary? See Discussion.

Where are the instructions for coding transformations? When a disease is listed under the transformations, the Multiple Primaries Calculator states it is a new primary. Is this a new primary when the physician calls it a transformation?

For example, patient was diagnosed in 2000 with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A biopsy of a stomach mass on 4/26/12 was positive for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. DLBCL is listed under the Transformations To section in the Heme DB for CLL. Is this a new primary because it is a transformation?

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

Transformations do not always indicate a multiple primary is to be reported. Always apply the M Rules to determine the number of primaries. Refer to Rules M8-M13 in the Heme Manual address to determine the number of reportable primaries when chronic and acute neoplasms (transformations) are indicated on a case. Do not use the MP Calculator to determine the number of primaries unless the M Rules direct you to use it.

This case should be accessioned as two primaries, chronic lymphocytic leukemia [9823/3] diagnosed in 2000, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [9680/3] diagnosed on 04/26/2012 per Rule M10. Abstract a new primary when a neoplasm is originally diagnosed as a chronic (less aggressive) neoplasm (CLL) and there is a second diagnosis of an acute neoplasm (DLBCL) more than 21 days later.

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
20130207 Multiple primaries--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: Is a new primary reported for the diagnosis of plasmacytoma associated with a pathological fracture if it follows a diagnosis five years ago of multiple myeloma? See Discussion.

Multiple myeloma was diagnosed more than 5 years prior to admission. The patient underwent multimodality treatment.

Currently, the patient suffered a fracture. The pathology report diagnosis was "plasmacytoma." The discharge summary states, "multiple myeloma advanced with multiple lytic lesions".

Does this scenario represent a single primary dating back to the original diagnosis? Or does the diagnosis of plasmacytoma on the recent biopsy indicate a new primary because it was originally diagnosed as acute and reverts to a chronic neoplasm after treatment more than 21 days later?

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

Per the Abstractor Notes section, this case represents a single primary. Histology is coded to 9732/2 [multiple myeloma], which is now advanced.

Review the Abstractor Notes section in the Heme DB for multiple myeloma. It states that in multiple myeloma there is generalize bone marrow involvement. It further states that lytic bone lesions and bone tumor masses of plasma cells (plasmacytomas) are signs of advanced disease. According to the Discharge Summary, this patient had multiple lytic lesions and plasmacytoma which indicates advanced disease.

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
20130218 2013
20130194

Reportability--Brain and CNS: Are blood vessel tumors arising in CNS sites reportable? See Discussion.

Previous instructions from the CDC (Cancer - Collection and Coding Clarification for CNS Tumors - NPCR) stated that non-malignant blood vessel tumors in CNS sites are reportable and should be coded to the CNS site in which they arose. SINQ 20081113 also states that a blood vessel tumor, cavernoma/cavernous hemangioma, in the brain is reportable. However, SINQ 20120034 contradicts this previous answer stating the site should be coded to C490 [blood vessel] for a blood vessel tumor (venous angioma) in the brain.

If blood vessel tumors arising in a CNS site are no longer reportable, please specify the site/histology codes for these non-reportable tumors and when this change took place.

Vascular tumors of the CNS are reportable when they arise in the dura or parenchyma of the CNS and should be coded accordingly. The instructions in the CDC book regarding primary site coding are not the most current instructions.SEER assumed responsibility for brain and CNS reporting instructions in 2007.

The tumor in SINQ 20120034 is not reportable because it arises in a blood vessel. The cavernous hemangioma in SINQ 20081113 is reportable because the primary site is the white matter of the cerebral cortex.

 2013
20130152 Primary site/Histology--Brain and CNS: How is the primary site and histology coded for a 2013 diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma arising in a dermoid cyst of the third ventricle? See Discussion. Patient has a dermoid cyst of the third ventricle of the brain diagnosed in 1998. In 2013 the cyst was removed and was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma. An internet search revealed a journal article in the Journal or Neuro-Oncology that states, "Although rare, malignant transformation of intracranial epithelial cysts has a poor prognosis." The combination of site C715 [third ventricle, NOS] and histology 8070/3 [squamous cell carcinoma] fails SEER Edit IF 38_3: Primary site and Morphology Impossible. According to the literature, intracranial squamous cell carcinoma is very rare with most cases arising from a preexisting benign epidermoid cyst. The combination of C71_ and 8070/3 should be allowed. We will submit a request to have this edit revised. 2013
20130012

MP/H Rules/Multiple primaries--Urinary: If topography codes C681-C689 are not included in Urinary Multiple Primary Rule M8, would a subsequent renal pelvis papillary transitional cell carcinoma be a new primary? See Discussion.

The patient had a papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and ureter diagnosed in 2010. The primary site was coded to C689 [urinary system, NOS]. The patient was diagnosed with a transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis [C659] in 2012. In applying the MP/H rules to the 2012 diagnosis, rule M8 would be ignored because the primary site of the 2010 primary was coded to C689. The result is that M9 or M10 would be applied which indicates a new primary for the 2012 diagnosis. Should the 2012 renal pelvis carcinoma be a new primary?

For cases diagnosed 2007 or later, accession a single primary, papillary transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and ureter [C689, urinary system, NOS] diagnosed in 2010. The steps used to arrive at this decision are:

Open the Multiple Primary and Histology Coding Rules Manual. Choose one of the three formats (i.e., flowchart, matrix or text). Go to the Urinary MP Rules because site specific rules exist for this primary.

Start at the MULTIPLE TUMORS module, rule M3. The rules are intended to be reviewed in consecutive order within a module. This patient has urothelial tumors in two or more of the listed sites (bladder, ureter and renal pelvis) diagnosed within 3 years.

When C689 is assigned because tumors of the bladder and tumors of the ureter were determined to be a single primary and the site of origin is not known (as in this example), rule M8 is applied when a subsequent tumor is diagnosed in one of the listed sites. However, if site C689 [urinary system, NOS] was assigned for other unknown urinary primary site situations, rule M8 would not be used.

Rule M8 was written specifically for urothelial tumors in the renal pelvis, ureter, bladder and urethra. Paraurethral gland [C681] and overlapping lesions of urinary organs [C688] do not belong in rule M8.

We will add this issue to the list of possible revisions for the next edition of the MP/H Rules.

 2013
20130017

Reportability--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: Is reactive thrombocytosis reportable? See Discussion.

The doctor's impression: "Thrombocytosis, mild without other obvious hematologic difficulty. I would be most suspicious for early iron deficiency related to her prior menometrorrhagia. Would limit initial evaluation to iron studies, review of peripheral smear, and hepatic profile."

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

Reactive thrombocytosis is not reportable and is not an alternative name for essential thrombocythemia [9962/3].

Only the following are listed as alternate names for essential thrombocythemia in the Heme DB:

  • Essential hemorrhagic thrombocythemia

  • Essential thrombocytosis

  • ET

  • Hemorrhagic thrombocythemia

  • Idiopathic hemorrhagic thrombocythemia

  • Idiopathic thrombocythemia

  • Idiopathic thrombocytosis

  • Primary thrombocythemia

  • Primary thrombocytosis

  • Thrombocythemia vera

    • 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
    		20130102

    Histology--Heme & Lymph Neoplasms: Is follicular lymphoma, high grade synonymous with grade 3 lymphoma [9698/3] or is the "high grade" ignored and the histology coded to follicular lymphoma, NOS [9690]?

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

    Code histology to 9698/3 [follicular lymphoma, grade 3].

    Follicular lymphoma, high grade is listed under the Alternate Names section of the Heme DB for Follicular lymphoma, grade 3.

    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
    		20130058 Reportability--Heme & Lymphoid Neoplasms: Is EBV-positive hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) reportable when diagnosed in a 5 year old child and resulted in death in less than two months?

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

    Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is not a reportable disease because it is not listed in the Heme DB.

    Per our expert pathologist consultant, "HLH is a lymphocyte driven hemophagocytic syndrome which may be either genetically based or caused by over-activated lymphoid cells, often in response to a viral infection. It is an abnormal immune response and is not considered a malignant disease, and is, therefore, not reportable. It is not synonymous with EBV-positive T-cell lymphoproliferative disease of childhood (9724/3)."

    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
    		20130009 Grade--Pancreas: Can the grade be coded when a biopsy is taken from the part of a primary tumor that has contiguously extended into an adjacent organ or structure? See Discussion. The grade rule states to code grade from tissue removed from the primary tumor only, never from a metastatic site or a site of recurrence. There is no mention of whether the grade can be coded if only the contiguous site of involvement is biopsied when a single tumor directly extends to an adjacent tissue or organ. For example, is grade coded to 2 when a pancreatic tumor extends into the duodenum, and the duodenal biopsy confirms moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma consistent with a pancreatic primary? Or does the primary organ/site have to be biopsied in order to be able to code grade?

    For one tumor involving a contiguous site, when there is no tissue specimen available from the primary site, you may code the grade based on the tissue from the tumor in the contiguous site.

    This instruction is included in the upcoming grade instruction document.

    		 2013