Data Last Updated: Dec. 17, 2025

NAACCR Item #1176: Spread Through Air Spaces (STAS)

Item # Length Source of Standard Section Name Year Implemented Version Implemented XML NAACCR ID Parent XML Element
1176 1 NAACCR Stage/Prognostic Factors 2026 26 spreadThroughAirSpacesStas Tumor
Required Status:

NPCR Collect: No recommendation
CoC Collect: Required, site specific
SEER Collect: Collected by SEER from CoC-accredited hospitals
CCCR Collect: No recommendation

Description
Spread Through Air Spaces (STAS) is defined as micropapillary clusters, solid nests, or single cells of tumor extending beyond the edge of the tumor into the air spaces of the surrounding lung parenchyma.
Rationale
Initial studies have shown that the presence of STAS is associated with an increased incidence of recurrence in tumors that have undergone limited resection (e.g., segmentectomy, wedge resection).
Allowable Values
0, 1, 8, 9, Blank
Codes
Code Description
0 Not identified
1 Present
8 Not applicable: information not collected for this case (If this item is required by your standard setter, use of code 8 will result in an edit error).
9 No surgical resection done Surgical resection done and STAS not documented in the CAP Protocol or synoptic pathology report STAS not assessed or unknown if assessed or cannot be determined
Blank Must be blank if diagnosis year is before 2026