Data Last Updated: Dec. 17, 2025

Number of Examined Para-Aortic Nodes

Description

Number of Examined Para-Aortic nodes is the number of nodes examined based on para-aortic nodal dissection. Information on the number of positive and examined para-aortic and pelvic lymph nodes. These related data items should be coded from the same procedure. * 3899: Number of Examined Para-Aortic Nodes * 3900: Number of Examined Pelvic Nodes * 3901: Number of Positive Para-Aortic Nodes * 3902: Number of Positive Pelvic Nodes

Rationale

Number of Examined Para-Aortic Nodes is listed as a Registry Data Collection Variable in AJCC. This data item was previously collected as Corpus, CS SSF #6.

Additional Info

**Source documents:** pathology report, imaging reports, physical exam, other statements in medical record

Notes

**Note 1:** **Physician Statement** * Physician statement of examined para-aortic nodes can be used to code this data item when no other information is available. **Note 2:** **Para-aortic nodes** * Aortic * Lateral aortic/lateral lumbar * Para-aortic, NOS * Periaortic **Note 3:** **Related data item** * The number of para-aortic nodes positive is recorded in the related data item 3901: Number of Positive Para-aortic Nodes. **Note 4:** **Related data item** * The number of examined pelvic nodes is recorded in the related data item 3899: Number of Examined Para-Aortic Nodes.

Coding Guidelines

**1)** Record the number of examined pelvic lymph nodes documented in the medical record. * Number of nodes examined must ALWAYS be **equal to or greater** than the number of nodes positive. * If a lymph node dissection is done and only “nodes” are documented without specifying pelvic or para-aortic, assume they are pelvic * Para-aortic nodes are not routinely examined unless there is suspected involvement **2)** **Code 00** when no lymph nodes are examined by FNA, core biopsy or removal of lymph node(s) (e.g., sentinel lymph node biopsy or lymph node dissection) **3)** **Code 01-99** for the exact number of examined **4)** **Code X1** for 100 or more examined nodes **5)** **Code X2** for nodes examined, but unknown how many **6)** **Code X6** for aspiration or core biopsy of para-aortic node(s) **7)** **Code X9** when * Not documented in the medical record * Para-aortic lymph nodes not evaluated (assessed) * Unknown if Para-aortic lymph nodes not evaluated (assessed)
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