Data Last Updated: Sept. 13, 2023

Number of Examined Para-Aortic Nodes

Notes

**Note 1:** Physician statement of examined para-aortic nodes can be used to code this data item when no other information is available. **Note 2:** The following are para-aortic nodes * Aortic * Lateral aortic/lateral lumbar * Para-aortic, NOS * Periaortic **Note 3:** Record the number of examined para-aortic lymph nodes documented in the medical record. **Note 4:** For the following * Code to 00 when no lymph nodes are removed (including FNA, core biopsy, sentinel lymph node biopsy or lymph node dissection) and there is no mention of para-aortic nodes * Para-aortic nodes are not routinely examined unless there is suspected involvement * If lymph nodes are removed and only pelvic lymph nodes are assessed, or only "nodes" are documented, code to 00 * Code X6 If only a FNA or core biopsy is done * Code X9 if it’s unknown if lymph nodes were removed **Note 5:** The number of para-aortic nodes positive is recorded in 3901: Number of Positive Para-aortic Nodes.
Code Description
00 No para-aortic nodes examined
01-99 1 - 99 para-aortic nodes examined
(Exact number of para-aortic lymph nodes examined)
X1 100 or more para-aortic nodes examined
X2 Para-aortic nodes examined; number unknown
X6 No para-aortic lymph nodes removed, but aspiration or core biopsy of para-aortic node(s) only
X8 Not applicable: Information not collected for this case
(If this item is required by your standard setter, use of code X8 will result in an edit error.)
X9 Not documented in medical record
Cannot be determined, indeterminate if examined para-aortic nodes present
Para-aortic lymph nodes not assessed or unknown if assessed