REGIONAL NODES POSITIVE

Alternate Name

Item #

Length

Source of Standard

Column #

Number of Positive Regional Lymph Nodes (SEER)

Pathologic Review of Regional Lymph Nodes (SEER)

Regional Lymph Nodes Positive

820

2

SEER/CoC

914-915

Description

Records the exact number of regional nodes examined by the pathologist and found to contain metastases. Beginning with tumors diagnosed on or after January 1, 2004, this item is a component of the Collaborative Stage system. Tumors diagnosed from 1988 through 2003, this item is part of the 10-digit EOD [779], detailed site-specific codes for anatomic EOD.

Rationale

This data item is necessary for pathologic staging, and it serves as a quality measure for pathology reports and the extent of the surgical evaluation and treatment of the patient.

Codes

 

00

All nodes examined are negative

01-89

1-89 nodes are positive (code exact number of nodes positive)

90

90 or more nodes are positive

95

Positive aspiration of lymph node(s) was performed

97

Positive nodes are documented, but the number is unspecified

98

No nodes were examined

99

It is unknown whether nodes are positive; not applicable; not stated in patient record

Note:    See Chapter V, Unresolved Issues, for a discussion of coding differences between COC and SEER.