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Imaging
Imaging plays an important role in determining how extensive the cancer is. Imaging plays an important role in determining the extent of disease. During imaging, the following are evaluated for breast cancer diagnoses.
- Exact location of the primary tumor (primary site)
- Tumor size
- Spread to adjacent tissues or organs
- Regional lymph node involvement
- Sites of distant metastases (including distant lymph nodes)
Imaging sources use the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). Per the NCI Dictionary, BI-RADS is used to describe
- The results of a mammogram, breast ultrasound, or breast MRI in a standard way.
- Test findings according to one of seven categories, ranging from normal or benign (not cancer) to highly suspicious or malignant (cancer).
- Follow-up recommendations to help manage a person’s care.
- Categories that describe the level of breast density seen, ranging from little or no dense tissue to very dense tissue.
- See the current version of the SEER Program Coding Manual under Reporting Guidelines, Section IV: Description of this Neoplasm on how to use BI-RADS. See also Appendix E for examples.
| ICD-O-3 Code | ICD-O-3.2 Description |
|---|---|
| Mammography | Used primarily for screening; however, it can also include information on location of the tumor (subsite of breast) and the size of the primary tumor |
| Ultrasound | Further clinical evaluation of the breast to determine location and size |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Used to determine location and size of the primary tumor and status of axillary lymph nodes |
| CT Scan | Used to evaluate for metastatic disease, part of clinical staging |
| Chest X-ray | Used to evaluate for metastatic disease, part of clinical staging |
| Bone Scan | Used to evaluate for metastatic disease, part of clinical staging |
| PET Scan | Used to evaluate for metastatic disease, part of clinical staging |
See Diagnostic Tests | SEER Training website for more information on imaging.
Document imaging details in NAACCR # 2530: Text-Dx Proc-X-ray scan
Updated: January 10, 2025