1 MP/H Coding Rules General Instructions MP/H Task Force Multiple Primary Rules Histology Coding Rules 2007

2 MP/H Instructions Apply to all rules unless otherwise noted Equivalent Terms Definitions General information –These instructions are to be used with all new rules –They are not repeated in the site-specific rules

3 MP/H Instructions Instructions include: –How to use the rules –Priority order for use of documents –Ambiguous terms for coding histology

4 Equivalent or Equal Terms MP/H Task Force Multiple Primary Rules Histology Coding Rules 2007

5 Equivalent or Equal Terms Equivalent or Equal Terms for MP Instructions apply to all site-specific rules unless otherwise noted. Each site-specific section will also include a set of site- specific equivalent or equal terms for that site only. For the purposes of these rules, these terms are equivalent: –Multicentric, multifocal –Tumor, mass, lesion, neoplasm These terms are interchangeable for all rule sets, unless otherwise noted.

6 There are a number of definitions, but we’d like to bring your attention to a few in particular. MP/H Task Force Multiple Primary Rules Histology Coding Rules 2007

7 Definitions Focal: An adjective meaning limited to one specific area. A focal cancer is limited to one specific area or organ. The area may be microscopic or macroscopic. Foci: Plural of focus. –Also remember that multifocal and multicentric are equivalent terms for the purposes of the new rules.

8 Definitions Focus: A term used by pathologists to describe a group of cells that can be seen only by a microscope. The cells are noticeably different from the surrounding tissue either by their appearance, chemical stain, or other testing.

9 Definitions Most representative specimen: The pathologic specimen from the surgical procedure that removed the most tumor tissue.

10 Definitions Recurrence has two meanings: 1.The reappearance of disease that was thought to be cured or inactive (in remission). Recurrent cancer starts from cancer cells that were not removed or destroyed by the original therapy.

11 Definitions 2.A new occurrence of cancer arising from cells that have nothing to do with the earlier (first) cancer. A new or another occurrence, incidence, episode, or report of the same disease (cancer) in a general sense – a new occurrence of cancer.

12 Determining Multiple Primaries MP/H Task Force Multiple Primary Rules Histology Coding Rules 2007

13 General Information Use these rules to determine the number of reportable primaries for solid malignant tumors. (That is: how many case abstracts do you have to complete for each person?) Do not use rules to determine if a case is reportable, to stage or to assign grade rules replace all previous rules!

14 General Information Three formats: flowchart, text, and matrix. The rules are identical, only the formats differ. Notes and examples highlight key points or add clarity to rules.

15 General Information Do not use a physician’s statement to decide whether the patient has a recurrence of a previous cancer or a new primary. –Use the RULES to determine if the patient has a new primary or if this is recurrence of a previous cancer. –The only exception exists when a pathologist compares the present tumor to the “original” tumor and states that this tumor is a recurrence of cancer from the previous primary. Reportable solid malignant tumors only

16 Lymphoma and Leukemia Use the Determining Multiple Primaries: Hematopoietic Primaries (Lymphoma and Leukemia) rules Use the table “Definitions of Single and Subsequent Primaries for Hematologic Malignancies”

17 How to Use the MP Rules Use the site-specific rules for: –Brain, malignant (intracranial and CNS) –Breast –Colon –Head and neck

18 How to Use the MP Rules Use the site-specific rules for: –Kidney –Lung –Malignant melanoma of the skin –Renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, and other urinary

19 How to Use the MP Rules Use the Other Sites rules for solid malignant tumors that occur in primary sites not covered by the site-specific rules.

20 How to Use the MP Rules Each module is an independent, complete set of coding rules. Use the primary site documented by the physician on the medical record Do not count metastatic lesions

21 How to Use the MP Rules Multicentric or multifocal, if the number of tumors is unknown, use the “Unknown if Single or Multiple Tumors” module Single tumor, use the “Single Tumor” module. Multiple tumors, use the “Multiple Tumor” module.

22 How to Use the MP Rules Separate microscopic foci, ignore the separate microscopic foci and use the “SingleTumor” or “Multiple Tumor” modules as appropriate

23 How to Use the MP Rules Rules are in hierarchical order Use the first rule that applies and STOP

24 How to Use the MP Rules Single primary, prepare one abstract Multiple primaries, prepare two or more abstracts

25 Histologic Type ICD-O-3 MP/H Task Force Multiple Primary Rules Histology Coding Rules 2007

26 General Information Histology describes the microscopic composition of cells and/or tissue for a specific primary. –Basis for staging –Basis for determining treatment options –Prognosis and disease course

27 General Information International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, Third Edition (ICD-O-3) is the standard reference for histology codes

28 How to Use the Histology Rules Use the format easiest for you to follow Notes and examples highlight key points or add clarity Rules are in hierarchical order within each section

29 How to Use the Histology Rules Read General Instructions. Read Equivalent Terms and Definitions. Follow the rules to make a decision on coding the histology

30 How to Use the Histology Rules Rules are in hierarchical order Use the first rule that applies and STOP

31 Priority Order for Documents MP/H Task Force Multiple Primary Rules Histology Coding Rules 2007

32 Priority Order for Using Documents 1. Pathology report: a. From most representative specimen b. From final diagnosis Note 1: Use information from addenda and comments associated with the final diagnosis Note 2: A revised/amended diagnosis replaces the original final diagnosis.

33 Priority Order for Using Documents 1.Pathology report (continued) Note 3: New rules limit information to the final diagnosis. Only use information from the microscopic portion of the pathology report when instructed to do so in the site-specific rules.

34 Priority Order for Using Documents 2. Cytology report 3. No pathology or cytology report: a. References to pathology or cytology findings b. Other mention of type of cancer (histology) in the medical record

35 Ambiguous Terms for Histology MP/H Task Force Multiple Primary Rules Histology Coding Rules 2007

36 Ambiguous Terms Used to Code Histology –Apparent(ly) –Appears –Comparable with –Compatible with –Consistent with –Favor(s)

37 Ambiguous Terms Used to Code Histology –Most likely –Presumed –Probable –Suspect(ed) –Suspicious (for) –Typical (of)

38 MP/H Task Force