Note 1: Use codes 000-002 only to report results of molecular studies on otherwise histologically negative lymph nodes on routine H and E stains., i.e., only when CS Lymph Nodes is coded 00. Otherwise code 888 in this field.
Note 2: Isolated tumor cells (ITC) are defined as single tumor cells or small clusters less than or equal to 0.2 mm, usually detected only by immunohistochemical (IHC) or molecular methods (RT-PCR: Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) but which may be verified on H and E stains. ITCs do not usually show evidence of malignant activity (e.g., proliferation or stromal reaction.)
Note 3: If it is not stated whether molecular tests were done, assume they were not done.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 000 | Regional lymph nodes negative on H and E, no RT-PCR molecular studies done or unknown if RT-PCR studies done Nodes clinically negative, not examined pathologically |
| 001 | Regional lymph nodes negative on H and E, RT-PCR molecular studies done, negative for tumor |
| 002 | Regional lymph nodes negative on H and E, RT-PCR molecular studies done, positive for tumor |
| 888 | Not applicable CS Lymph Nodes not coded 00 |