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Ambiguous Terminology
In most circumstances, the diagnosis of cancer, as recorded in the patient’s medical record, is clearly synonymous with reportable cancer. However, in those situations where the physician is not certain of the diagnosis, the associated terminology in the medical record reflects that uncertainty and is ambiguous. CoC, NPCR, SEER and CCCR are in agreement in regard to the list of terms that are diagnostic of cancer and the list of terms not diagnostic of cancer. These terms are shown in the “Comparison of Reportable Cancers: COC, SEER, NPCR, and CCCR” table.
| CoC | SEER | NPCR | CCCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| apparent(ly) appears comparable with compatible with consistent with favors malignant appearing most likely presumed probable suspect(ed) suspicious (for) typical of Exception: if the cytology is reported using any of these ambiguous terms and neither a positive biopsy nor a physician's clinical impression supports the cytology findings, do not consider as diagnostic of cancer. | apparent(ly) appears comparable with compatible with consistent with favors malignant appearing most likely presumed probable suspect(ed) suspicious (for) typical of Exception: if the cytology diagnosis is reported using any of these ambiguous terms and neither a positive biopsy nor a physician's clinical impression supports the cytology findings, do not report. | apparent(ly) appears comparable with compatible with consistent with favors malignant appearing most likely presumed probable suspect(ed) suspicious (for) typical of Exception: if the cytology is reported using any of these ambiguous terms and neither a positive biopsy nor a physician's clinical impression supports the cytology findings, do not consider as diagnostic of cancer. | apparent(ly) appears comparable with compatible with consistent with favors malignant appearing most likely presumed probable suspect(ed) suspicious (for) typical of Exception: if the cytology is reported using any of these ambiguous terms and neither a positive biopsy nor a physician's clinical impression supports the cytology findings, do not consider as diagnostic of cancer. |
| CoC | SEER | NPCR | CCCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| cannot be ruled out equivocal possible potentially malignant questionable rule out suggests worrisome | Any ambiguous terms not on the reportable list are not reportable. | cannot be ruled out equivocal possible potentially malignant questionable rule out suggests worrisome | cannot be ruled out equivocal possible potentially malignant questionable rule out suggests worrisome |
** Do not substitute synonyms such as “supposed” for “presumed” or “equal” for “comparable.” Do not substitute “likely” for “most likely.” Use only the exact words on the list.