Data Last Updated: June 9, 2025

NAACCR Item #3831: Extranodal Extension Head and Neck Clinical

Item # Length Source of Standard Section Name Year Implemented Version Implemented XML NAACCR ID Parent XML Element
3831 1 NAACCR Stage/Prognostic Factors 2018 18 extranodalExtensionHeadNeckClin 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
Extranodal extension (ENE) is defined as "the extension of a nodal metastasis through the lymph node capsule into adjacent tissue" and is a prognostic factor for most head and neck tumors. This data item pertains to clinical staging extension.
Rationale
Extranodal Extension Head and Neck Clinical is a Registry Data Collection Variable in AJCC. It was previously collected as Head and Neck SSF# 8 (Common SSF).
Allowable Values
0-2, 4, 7-9
Codes
Code Description
0 Regional lymph nodes involved, ENE not present/not identified during diagnostic workup
1 Regional lymph nodes involved, ENE present/identified during diagnostic workup, based on physical exam WITH or WITHOUT imaging
2 Regional lymph nodes involved, ENE present/identified during diagnostic workup, based on microscopic confirmation
4 Regional lymph nodes involved, ENE present/identified, unknown how identified
7 No lymph node involvement during diagnostic workup (cN0)
8 Not applicable: Information not collected for this case (If this information is required by your standard setter, use of code 8 may result in an edit error)
9 Not documented in medical record ENE not assessed during diagnostic workup, or unknown if assessed Clinical assessment of lymph nodes not done, or unknown if done
Code Notes
Each Site-Specific Data Item (SSDI) applies only to selected primary sites, histologies, and years of diagnosis. Depending on applicability and standard-setter requirements, SSDIs may be left blank.