Coding EOD Regional Nodes

EOD Regional Nodes is used to record the farthest specific regional lymph node chain that is involved by tumor either clinically or pathologically.

Regional and distant lymph nodes are listed for each EOD schema.

  • Assign the highest applicable code for the specific lymph node chain, or number of nodes involved
  • Regional lymph nodes are listed for each schema in the EOD coding system
    • Ipsilateral nodes are on the same side of the primary
    • Contralateral nodes are on the opposite side of the primary
    • Review each EOD schema to determine if contralateral nodes are regional or distant
  • Any unidentified nodes included within the resected primary site are counted “regional lymph nodes, NOS”
  • The following terms should be ignored when determining involvement
    • Enlarged
    • Lymphadenopathy
    • Palpable
    • Shotty (clusters of small swollen nodes)
    • Visible swelling
  • If a specific chain of lymph nodes is named, but not listed as regional, first determine if the name is synonymous for regional listed lymph nodes. Otherwise, assume distant lymph nodes are involved (see EOD mets)
General Set up
Code Description
000 No regional lymph node involvement
  SCHEMA-SPECIFIC CODES WHERE NEEDED
800 Regional lymph nodes, NOS/Lymph Nodes, NOS
999 Unknown; regional lymph node(s) not stated
Regional lymph node(s) cannot be assessed
Not documented in patient record

Death Certificate Only

Codes between 000 and 800 generally hierarchical

There are three codes that are in most schemas and have the same definition

Code 000: No regional lymph node involvement

  • For in situ tumors (/2), ALWAYS code 000
  • Code 000 may also be used for the following (all criteria met)
    • No mention of lymph node involvement in physical exam, pre-treatment diagnostic testing, or surgical exploration
    • Patient has localized disease
    • Patient has standard treatment for the primary site
    • For some schemas, lymph node involvement is very rare, assume negative involvement unless stated otherwise (e.g. Soft Tissue schemas, GIST, Retroperitoneum, Heart Mediastinum and Pleura)

Code 800: Regional lymph nodes, NOS

  • Lymph Node involvement based on location and only information is that lymph nodes are involved
  • Lymph Node involvement based on number and/or size and only information is that lymph nodes are involved
  • Unidentified nodes in a surgical resection
  • Lymph nodes not stated as regional or distant

Code 999

  • No information on regional lymph node involvement and primary tumor is not localized
  • Death Certificate Only (DCOs) only

See the EOD Manual for further information on the general guidelines for coding regional lymph node involvement. See SEER*RSA for schema specific guidelines on coding regional lymph node involvement.

Updated: December 11, 2023