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Data Standards and Data Dictionary

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Length: 4
Source of Standard: AJCC
Section Name: Stage/Prognostic Factors
Record Types: A, M, C, I

XML NAACCR ID: ajccTnmClinNSuffix

Parent XML Element: Tumor

Required Status:

NPCR Collect: . - No recommendations
CoC Collect: R - Required
SEER Collect: RC - Collected by SEER from CoC-accredited hospitals
CCCR Collect: R* - Required, when available

Description:

Detailed site-specific codes for the clinical N category suffix as defined by AJCC.

Clinical, pathological, and postneoadjuvant therapy stage data are given three separate areas in the NAACCR Data Exchange Record Layout.

Rationale:

CoC requires that AJCC TNM staging be used in its approved cancer programs. AJCC developed its staging system for evaluating trends in the treatment and control of cancer. This staging is used by physicians to estimate prognosis, to plan treatment, to evaluate new types of therapy, to analyze outcome, to design follow-up strategies, and to assess early detection results.

Format:

Left justified

Item Data Type:

text

Allowable Values

See the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual for valid codes; also (sn), (f), Blank

Codes:

(sn)

Sentinel node procedure with or without FNA or core needle biopsy

(f)

FNA or core needle biopsy only

Blank

No suffix needed or appropriate; not recorded

Code Notes:

Note: Refer to the current AJCC Cancer Staging Manual for staging rules.