Coding & Classification Systems Flashcards

Under AJCC 8th edition colorectal cancer staging, N2a is defined as metastasis in how many regional lymph nodes?

Answer: 4–6 nodes

AJCC 8th edition defines N2a colorectal as metastasis in 4–6 regional lymph nodes.

Which coding system provides the primary framework for staging pediatric solid tumors such as Wilms tumor and neuroblastoma in the United States?

Answer: COG/INRG staging systems

Pediatric solid tumors like Wilms tumor use Children's Oncology Group (COG) and International staging systems (e.g., INRG for neuroblastoma), not AJCC TNM.

A tumor registry receives a diagnosis of 'carcinoma in situ of the cervix' (CIN III). What ICD-O-3 behavior code applies?

Answer: /2

Carcinoma in situ is assigned ICD-O-3 behavior code /2, indicating non-invasive (in situ) malignancy.

Which data item in the NAACCR record layout captures the ICD-O-3 histology morphology code along with its behavior digit?

Answer: Histologic Type ICD-O-3 (Item #522)

NAACCR Item #522 (Histologic Type ICD-O-3) records the 4-digit morphology code, and Item #523 captures the behavior digit.

When coding a case where the physician uses the phrase 'consistent with carcinoma,' how should a registrar interpret this for reportability?

Answer: Reportable — ambiguous terminology qualifies as a diagnosis

SEER and STORE rules list 'consistent with' as ambiguous terminology that qualifies a case as reportable without pathologic confirmation.

In EOD 2018, which data item captures the farthest extent of tumor spread for solid tumors, replacing the old CS Extension field?

Answer: EOD Primary Tumor

EOD Primary Tumor in the EOD 2018 schema captures the greatest extent of the primary tumor, analogous to the former CS Extension field.

Which NAACCR-standard coded value is used for 'Type of Reporting Source' when a case is identified from a death certificate only (DCO)?

Answer: 7

Type of Reporting Source code 7 indicates a death certificate only (DCO) case in NAACCR standards.