How to Assign Summary Stage

Answers to three basic questions will help determine the correct code for Summary Stage.

1. Where did the cancer start?
   1. What organ or tissue did tumor originate (primary site/histology)?
   2. Is there a specific subsite of the organ involved?
2. Where did the cancer go?
   1. Determine what other organs or structures are involved.
   2. Review physical examinations, imaging reports, operative reports, pathology reports, and laboratory tests to identify any structures involved by tumor.
3. What is the stage and correct code for this cancer?
   1. Go to the appropriate SS2018 Chapter based on #1 above.
   2. Review staging chapter, looking for names of structures and organs reported as involved.
   3. If more than one structure or organ is involved, select the highest code.

Updated: December 15, 2023