Abstracting & Coding Flashcards

When abstracting a case with multiple primaries, which SEER rule determines whether two tumors in the same site are counted as one or two primaries?

Answer: The Multiple Primary and Histology (MP/H) rules

SEER's Multiple Primary and Histology (MP/H) rules govern whether tumors at the same site constitute one or multiple primaries.

Which ICD-O-3 behavior code indicates an in-situ neoplasm?

Answer: /2

ICD-O-3 behavior code /2 denotes carcinoma in situ, meaning the tumor has not invaded surrounding tissue.

A patient is diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) of the breast. Under current SEER guidelines, how should this be handled?

Answer: Do not report; LCIS is not reportable under SEER

LCIS is no longer considered a reportable malignancy under SEER guidelines because it is regarded as a risk factor, not a true in-situ cancer.

When coding the histology of a tumor described as 'poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma,' which grade code is assigned?

Answer: Grade 3

Poorly differentiated tumors are assigned Grade 3 in the standard four-tier grading system used in cancer registries.

Which field is used to record the first course of treatment that was planned and/or administered to the patient?

Answer: First course of treatment

The 'first course of treatment' field captures all planned and administered treatment from diagnosis through the initial treatment plan.

A pathology report describes a tumor as 'transitional cell carcinoma.' What is the preferred ICD-O-3 histology code?

Answer: 8120/3

Transitional cell carcinoma (also called urothelial carcinoma) is coded 8120/3 in ICD-O-3.

Under CoC standards, what is the required turnaround time for completing an abstract after the patient's first contact at the facility?

Answer: 6 months

The Commission on Cancer requires that abstracts be completed within 6 months of a patient's first contact at the reporting facility.