As you are aware, the 2018 cancer registry changes have impacted every manual cancer registrars use and the updates seem to be never ending! We have prepared a reference list below for quick access to the various manuals and updates.  Many of the 2018 draft manuals have been finalized over the last few months. Be sure you are using the most up to date versions that…

Melanoma of the Skin can be found in the AJCC 8th Edition Staging Manual in Chapter 47, pages 563-581.  A review of Melanoma Staging is provided below with explanations on what has changed from the AJCC 7th Edition to the AJCC 8th Edition.   Definition of Primary Tumor (T): Tumor thickness ranges are maintained, but T1 is subcategorized beginning at 0.8mm in depth. Ulceration is still…

As cancer registries nationwide begin trudging through the latest coding and staging changes for cases diagnosed in 2018, we wanted to share a few helpful reminders and tips!   Solid Tumor Coding Rules – 2018 The 2018 Solid Tumor coding rules are used for: Determining the number of primaries to abstract Determining the appropriate histology to code These rules replace the 2007 Multiple Primary & Histology…

Physicians may utilize incomplete information to assign cancer staging for treatment purposes or so a patient can have a better understanding of their prognosis; however, cancer registrars should not assign stage grouping to cases where incomplete or uncertain staging components exist.  The following are highlights of best practices for staging when you encounter incomplete or uncertain staging items. Best Practices for Incomplete Information and Cancer Staging:…