Pathology Report

See the current version of the SEER Program Coding Manual under Reporting Guidelines or the Hematopoietic Project - SEER Registrars for the complete coding instructions on the related pathology data items.

  • Section IV: Description of this Neoplasm
  • Section V: Stage of Disease at Diagnosis
  • Section VI: Stage Related Data Items

Lymphomas generally do not have a surgical resection, unlike solid tumors. If a lymphoma is confined to an extranodal site (i.e. stomach), a surgical procedure may be done.

Data items found within pathology reports
Data Item Comments Text Field Source of coding instructions
Date of Diagnosis The pathology report is usually the date that the cancer is microscopically (histologically) confirmed; however, the date of diagnosis may be prior to the pathology report (e.g., diagnosed on imaging) # 2570 Text-Dx-Proc-Path SEER Program Coding Manual, under Reporting Guidelines, Section IV: Description of this Neoplasm
Primary Site Primary site for lymphomas is not as straightforward as it is for solid tumors. There are rules in the Hematopoietic manual that will guide you in determining primary site. #2580: Text-Dx-Primary Site Title AND
#2570: Text-Dx-Proc Path		 Hematopoietic Project - SEER Registrars, in the Hematopoietic manual, under Primary Site Coding Instructions
Histology This is the ICD-O-3 Morphology code assigned. Unlike Solid Tumors that use ICD-O-3.2, registrars must use the Heme database for all Hematopoietic diagnoses. Terms include everything that is in the current version of ICD-O and the most recent WHO Blue Book for Hematolymphoid tumors. #2590: Text-Dx-Histology Title
AND
2570 Text-Dx-Proc Path		 Hematopoietic Project - SEER Registrars, in the Hematopoietic manual, under Histology Coding Instructions
Behavior The only reportable neoplasms for Hematopoietic histologies are malignant behavior (/3). There are some behavior /1’s, but they are not required. #2590: Text-Dx-Histology Title
AND
#2570 Text-Dx-Proc Path		 Hematopoietic Project - SEER Registrars, Hematopoietic database
Laterality Laterality is coded for lymphomas if a paired site is involved Laterality is 0 for bone marrow (C421) neoplasms (leukemias, MDS, MPN) # 2570 Text-Dx-Proc-Path SEER Program Coding Manual, under Reporting Guidelines, Section IV: Description of this Neoplasm
Regional Nodes Positive Not applicable for Hematopoietic neoplasms (code 99) # 2570 Text-Dx-Proc-Path SEER Program Coding Manual, under Reporting Guidelines, Section VII: First Course of Therapy
Regional Nodes Examined Not applicable for Hematopoietic neoplasms (code 99) # 2570 Text-Dx-Proc-Path SEER Program Coding Manual, under Reporting Guidelines, Section VII: First Course of Therapy
Grade Not applicable for Hematopoietic neoplasms # 2570 Text-Dx-Proc-Path  

Updated: December 2, 2025