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Summary Stage Code Structure
Summary Stage consists of a one-digit hierarchical code for every primary site/histology combination.
- Based on combined clinical and operative/pathological assessment.
- Review pathology and operative reports for comments on gross evidence of spread, microscopic extension and metastases.
- Imaging studies can provide information on metastasis.
- Uses all information available through completion of surgery(ies) in the first course of treatment or within four months of diagnosis.
- Chapter-specific guidelines take precedence over general guidelines.
| Code | Definition |
|---|---|
| 0 | In situ |
| 1 | Localized only |
| 2 | Regional by direct extension only |
| 3 | Regional lymph nodes involved only Codes (1) + (3) |
| 4 | Regional by BOTH direct extension AND lymph node involvement Codes (2) + (3) |
| 7 | Distant site(s)/node(s) involved |
| 9 | Unknown if extension or metastasis (unstaged, unknown, or unspecified) Death certificate only case |
For the complete general instructions for Summary Stage and a list of the SS2018 chapters, see the online Summary Stage Manual.
The next section covers a brief description of each of the Summary Stage codes.
Updated: December 15, 2023