Lung Cancer

Important

This is an introduction to lung cancer data collection for cancer surveillance and should not be construed as a clinical practice guideline.

This module will introduce some basic information about lung cancer: related statistics, risk factors, relevant anatomy, major histologic types, abstracting, coding, staging, and general treatment paradigm.

The main purpose of this module is to cover the foundational aspects of abstracting lung cancer cases. It includes information about anatomy, major histologic types, staging criteria and treatment. References to appropriate cancer registry manuals and websites, or professional websites (e.g., American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute’s Physician Data Query (PDQ), NCCN guidelines) are included throughout.

Review the appropriate linked manuals for complete site-specific coding instructions for the data items mentioned in this module.

This training can be used as an initial step toward comprehensive training for the Oncologist Data Specialist (ODS) credential. For more comprehensive training, see the following:

  1. SEER*EducateExternal Website Policy
  2. SEER Advanced Topics for Registry Professionals
  3. NAACCR trainingExternal Website Policy
  4. NAACCR Annual ConferenceExternal Website Policy
  5. National Cancer Registrars Association EducationExternal Website Policy
  6. NCRA Annual ConferenceExternal Website Policy
  7. Cancer Staging Education (AJCC)External Website Policy
  8. State Association Meetings

Updated: April 8, 2026

Suggested Citation

SEER Training Modules: Lung Cancer. U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. Cited 12 April 2026. Available from: https://training.seer.cancer.gov.