Kidney Equivalent Terms and Definitions
C649
(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
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Introduction
Note 1: Tables and rules refer to ICD-O rather than ICD-O-3. The version is not specified to allow for updates. Use the currently
approved version of ICD-O.
Note 2: 2007 MPH Rules and 2018 Solid Tumor Rules are used based on date of diagnosis.
• Tumors diagnosed 01/01/2007 through 12/31/2017: Use 2007 MPH Rules
• Tumors diagnosed 01/01/2018 and later: Use 2018 Solid Tumor Rules
• The original tumor diagnosed before 1/1/2018 and a subsequent tumor diagnosed 1/1/2018 or later in the same
primary site: Use the 2018 Solid Tumor Rules.
Note 3: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) 8312 is a group term for glandular (adeno) carcinoma of the kidney. Approximately 85% of
all malignancies of the kidney C649 are RCC or subtypes/variants of RCC.
• See Table 1 for renal cell carcinoma subtypes/variants.
• Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) 8310 is the most common subtype/variant of RCC.
Note 4: Transitional cell carcinoma rarely arises in the kidney C649. Transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary system
usually arises in the renal pelvis C659. Only code a transitional cell carcinoma for kidney in the rare instance when
pathology confirms the tumor originated in the kidney.
Note 5: For those sites/histologies which have recognized biomarkers, the biomarkers are most frequently used to target treatment.
Biomarkers may identify the histologic type. Currently, there are clinical trials being conducted to determine whether these
biomarkers can be used to identify multiple primaries. Follow the Multiple Primary Rules; do not code multiple primaries
based on biomarkers.
Changes from 2007 Rules
These changes are effective with cases diagnosed 1/1/2018 and later. WHO Classification of Tumors of the Urinary System and Male
Genital Organs was published in 2016.
1. 2007 Rules instruct “Code the histology from the most representative specimen.” For all sites except breast and CNS, 2018 Rules
instruct “Code the most specific histology from biopsy or resection. When there is a discrepancy between the biopsy and resection
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September 2021 Update
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Kidney Equivalent Terms and Definitions
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(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
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(two distinctly different histologies/different rows), code the histology from the most representative specimen (the greater amount
of tumor).”
2. New histology terms and codes were included (identified by asterisks (*) in the histology table in the Terms and Definitions).
A. Histologies with terms that indicate they are hereditary (hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome–
associated RCC 8311)
B. Histologies with genetic anomalies (succinate dehydrogenase–deficient RCC)
3. Some histologies are rare and are not listed in the tables; refer to ICD-O and all updates.
Note: Renal cell spindle cell carcinoma 8318 is no longer a recommended term.
Equivalent or Equal Terms
These terms can be used interchangeably:
• And; with
Note: “And” and “with” are used as synonyms when describing multiple histologies within a single tumor.
• Multifocal; multicentric
•
Carcinoma; adenocarcinoma
• Simultaneous; existing at the same time; concurrent; prior to first course treatment
• Site; topography
• Tumor; mass; tumor mass; lesion, neoplasm
o The terms tumor, mass, tumor mass, lesion, neoplasm and nodule are not used in a standard manner in clinical
diagnoses, scans, or consults. Disregard the terms unless there is a physician’s statement that the term is
malignant/cancer
o These terms are used ONLY to determine multiple primaries
o Do not use these terms for casefinding or determining reportability
• Type; subtype; variant
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Kidney Equivalent Terms and Definitions
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(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
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Terms that are NOT Equivalent or Equal
These terms are not equivalent. There are no casefinding implications.
• Component is not equivalent to subtype/type/variant
Note: Component is only coded when the pathologist specifies the component as a second carcinoma
• Phenotype is not equivalent to subtype/type/variant
Table 1: Specific Histologies, NOS, and Subtypes/Variants
Use Table 1 as directed by the Histology Rules to assign the more common histology codes for kidney tumors.
Column 1 contains specific and NOS ICD-O histology terms.
• Specific histology terms do not have subtypes/variants
• NOS histology terms do have subtypes/variants
Column 2 contains synonyms for the specific or NOS term. Synonyms have the same histology code as the specific or NOS term.
Column 3 contains subtypes/variants of the NOS histology. Subtypes/variants do not have the same histology code as the NOS
term.
Column 3 may contain NOS histologies which are part of a bigger histologic group. For example, sarcoma NOS 8800/3 (column 1) is
a generic term which encompasses a number of soft tissue tumors, including rhabdomyosarcoma 8900/3 (column 3).
Rhabdomyosarcoma is also a NOS because it has subtypes/variants. The subtypes/variants are indented under the NOS
(rhabdomyosarcoma) in column 3. There is also a note in column 1 which calls attention to the fact that rhabdomyosarcoma has
subtypes/variants.
When subtypes/variants are indented under a NOS in Column 3, use coding rules for a NOS and a single subtype/variant. For
example, rhabdomyosarcoma 8900/3 and alveolar type rhabdomyosarcoma 8920/3 are a NOS and a subtype/variant, NOT two
different subtypes.
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Kidney Equivalent Terms and Definitions
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(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
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NOS/Specific Histology Term and Code Synonyms Subtypes/Variants
Nephroblastoma 8960
Wilms tumor
Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) 8240
Carcinoid [OBS]
Well-differentiated
neuroendocrine tumor
Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma/tumor 8013
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma 8041
Renal cell carcinoma NOS 8312
Note 1: WHO, IARC, and CAP agree that
sarcomatoid carcinoma is a pattern of
differentiation, not a specific subtype,
of renal cell carcinoma.
Note 2: Sarcomatoid is listed in the CAP
Kidney protocol under the header
“features.”
Note 3: Continue coding sarcomatoid renal
cell carcinoma as 8312 until otherwise
indicated.
RCC
Sarcomatoid carcinoma
Sarcomatoid renal cell
carcinoma
Succinate
dehydrogenase-
deficient renal cell
carcinoma (SDHD)
Unclassified renal cell
carcinoma
Acquired cystic disease-associated renal cell
carcinoma/tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma 8316*
Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) 8317
Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma 8323/3
Note: The 2016 WHO 4th Edition Classification of Tumors of
the Urinary System and Male Genital Organs has
reclassified this histology as a /1 because it is low
nuclear grade and is now thought to be a neoplasia. This
change has NOT yet been implemented and it remains
reportable.
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) 8310
Collecting duct carcinoma 8319
Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma-
associated renal cell carcinoma 8311*
MiT family translocation renal cell carcinomas 8311*
Succinate dehydrogenase-deficient renal cell carcinoma
(SDHS) 8311* (reportable beginning 1/1/2022)
Note: Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma-
associated renal cell carcinoma , MiT family
translocation renal cell carcinomas, and succinate
dehydrogenase-deficient renal cell carcinomas have the
same ICD-
O code but are distinctly different histologies.
Because they are different, they are on different lines in
column 3 (see M rules).
Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma 8480*
Papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC) 8260
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September 2021 Update
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Kidney Equivalent Terms and Definitions
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(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
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NOS/Specific Histology Term and Code Synonyms Subtypes/Variants
Renal medullary carcinoma 8510*
Note: This is a new term (previously called renal spindle cell
carcinoma).
Sarcoma 8800/3
Note: Rhabdomyosarcoma is a NOS with the
following subtype/variants:
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma 8920
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma 8910
Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma 8901
Spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma
8912
Angiosarcoma 9120/3
Clear cell sarcoma/bone-metastasizing renal tumor of
childhood 8964/3
Leiomyosarcoma/renal vein leiomyosarcoma 8890/3
Osteosarcoma 9180/3
Primitive/peripheral neuroectodermal tumor
(pNET)/Ewing sarcoma 9364/3
Rhabdomyosarcoma 8900/3
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma 8920/3
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma 8910/3
Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma 8901/3
Spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma 8912/3
Synovial sarcoma 9040/3
* These new codes were approved by the IARC/WHO Committee for ICD-O.
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Kidney Equivalent Terms and Definitions
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(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
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Table 2: Neoplasms which are Not Reportable
Column 1 lists the not reportable histology term and code. Not all of the non-reportable neoplasms have codes.
Column 2 lists synonyms for the term in column 1. Synonyms have the same histology code (if applicable) as listed in column 1.
Not Reportable Histology Term and Code
Synonyms
Adult cystic teratoma 8959/0
Mixed epithelial and stromal tumor
Renal epithelial stromal tumor
Angiomyolipoma 8860/0
Congenital mesoblastic nephroma 8960/1
CMN
Cystic partially-differentiated nephroblastoma 8959/1
Epithelioid angiolipoma 8860/1*
Hemangioblastoma 9161/1
Hemangioma 9120/0
Juxtaglomerular cell tumor 8361/0
Leiomyoma 8890/0
Lymphangioma 9170/0
Metanephric adenofibroma 9013/0
Nephrogenic adenofibroma
Metanephric adenoma 8325/0
Metanephric stromal tumor 8935/1
Multilocular cystic renal neoplasm of low malignant potential 8316/1*
Nephrogenic rests (no code)
Oncocytoma 8290/0
Papillary adenoma 8260/0
Paraganglioma 8700/0
Extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma
Pediatric cystic nephroma 8959/0
Renomedullary interstitial cell tumor 8966/0
Medullary fibroma
Schwannoma 9560/0
Solitary fibrous tumor 8815/1
* These new codes were approved by the IARC/WHO Committee for ICD-O.
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Kidney Equivalent Terms and Definitions
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(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
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Illustrations
Kidney Anatomy (Includes Renal Pelvis)
A.D.A.M. illustration used with licensed permission. All rights reserved.
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Kidney Multiple Primary Rules
C649
(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
Jump to Equivalent Terms and Definitions
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Note 1: These rules are NOT used for tumor(s) described as metastases. Metastatic tumors include but are not limited to:
• Adrenal gland
• Bones
• Bowel
• Brain
• Discontinuous nodules in surrounding tissue
• Regional and distant lymph nodes as identified in Summary Staging Manual
• Liver
• Lung
Note 2: 2007 MPH Rules and 2018 Solid Tumor Rules are used based on date of diagnosis.
• Tumors diagnosed 01/01/2007 through 12/31/2017: Use 2007 MPH Rules
• Tumors diagnosed 01/01/2018 and later: Use 2018 Solid Tumor Rules
• The original tumor diagnosed before 1/1/2018 and a subsequent tumor diagnosed 1/1/2018 or later in the same
primary site: Use the 2018 Solid Tumor Rules.
Unknown If Single or Multiple Tumors
Rule M1 Abstract a single primary
i
when it is not possible to determine if there is a single tumor or multiple tumors.
Note 1: Use this rule only after all information sources have been exhausted.
Note 2: Examples of cases with minimal information include
• Death certificate only (DCO)
• Cases for which information is limited to pathology report only
ο Outpatient biopsy with no follow-up information available
ο Multiple pathology reports which do not specify whether a single tumor or multiple tumors have been biopsied
and/or resected
This is the end of instructions for Unknown if Single or Multiple Tumors.
i
Prepare one abstract. Use the histology rules to assign the appropriate histology code.
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Kidney Multiple Primary Rules
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(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
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Single Tumor
Rule M2 Abstract a single primary
i
when there is a single tumor.
Note 1: A single tumor is always a single primary.
Note 2: The tumor may overlap onto or extend into adjacent/contiguous site or subsites.
Note 3: The tumor may have in situ and invasive components.
Note 4: The tumor may have two or more histologic components.
This is the end of instructions for Single Tumor.
i
Prepare one abstract. Use the histology rules to assign the appropriate histology code.
Multiple Tumors
Note: Multiple tumors may be a single primary OR multiple primaries.
Rule M3 Abstract multiple primaries
ii
when multiple tumors are present in sites with ICD-O site codes that differ at the second
(CXxx), third (CxXx) and/or fourth characters (CxxX).
Note: When codes differ at the second, third, or fourth characters, the tumors are in different primary sites.
Rule M4 Abstract a single primary
i
when there are bilateral nephroblastomas (previously called Wilms tumors).
Note: Timing is irrelevant; the tumors may occur simultaneously OR the contralateral tumor may be diagnosed later (no time
limit).
Rule M5 Abstract multiple primaries
ii
when there are tumors in both the right kidney and in the left kidney. There may be:
• A single tumor in each kidney
• A single tumor in one kidney and multiple tumors in the contralateral kidney
• Multiple tumors in both kidneys
Note 1: The rules are hierarchical. Only use this rule when none of the previous rules apply.
Note 2: ONLY abstract a single primary when pathology proves the tumor(s) in one kidney is/are metastatic from the other
kidney.
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Kidney Multiple Primary Rules
C649
(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
Jump to Equivalent Terms and Definitions
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Rule M6 Abstract multiple primaries
ii
when the patient has a subsequent tumor after being clinically disease-free for greater
than three years after the original diagnosis or last recurrence.
Note 1: Clinically disease-free means that there was no evidence of recurrence on follow-up.
• Scans are NED
• Urine cytology is negative
• All other work-up is NED
Note 2: When there is a recurrence less than or equal to three years of diagnosis, the “clock” starts over. The time interval is
calculated from the date of last recurrence. In other words, the patient must have been disease-free for greater than three
years from the date of the last recurrence.
Note 3: When it is unknown/not documented whether the patient had a recurrence, default to date of diagnosis to compute the
time interval.
Note 4: The physician may state this is a recurrence, meaning the patient had a previous kidney tumor and now has another kidney
tumor. Follow the rules; do not attempt to interpret the physician’s statement.
Note 5: The location and histology of the subsequent tumor is irrelevant. Kidney tumors that occur more than 3 years apart are
always multiple primaries.
Rule M7 Abstract multiple primaries
ii
when separate/non-contiguous tumors are two or more different subtypes/variants in
Column 3, Table 1 in the Equivalent Terms and Definitions.
Note 1: The tumors may be subtypes/variants of the same or different NOS histologies.
• Same NOS: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) 8310/3 and papillary renal cell carcinoma 8260/3 are both
subtypes of renal cell carcinoma NOS 8312/3 but are distinctly different histologies. Abstract multiple primaries.
• Different NOS: Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma 8901/3 is a subtype
/variant of rhabdomyosarcoma 8900/3; large cell
neuroendocrine carcinoma 8013/3 is a subtype of small cell neuroendocrine tumor 8041/3. They are distinctly different
histologies. Abstract multiple primaries.
Note 2: Abstract multiple primaries when you have any of the following combinations (all coded 8311):
• MiT family translocation renal cell carcinoma and Hereditary leiomyomatosis
• MiT family translocation renal cell carcinoma and Renal cell carcinoma-associated renal cell carcinoma
• MiT family translocation renal cell carcinoma and Succinate dehydrogenase-deficient renal cell carcinoma (SDHS)
• Hereditary leiomyomatosis and Succinate dehydrogenase-deficient renal cell carcinoma (SDHS)
• Renal cell carcinoma-associated renal cell carcinoma and Succinate dehydrogenase-deficient renal cell carcinoma
(SDHS)
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Kidney Multiple Primary Rules
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(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
Jump to Equivalent Terms and Definitions
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Rule M8 Abstract a single primary
i
when synchronous, separate/non-contiguous tumors are on the same row in Table 1 in the
Equivalent Terms and Definitions. Tumors must be in the same kidney.
Note: The same row means the tumors are:
• The same histology (same four-digit ICD-O code; see exception for 8311) OR
• One is the preferred term (column 1) and the other is a synonym for the preferred term (column 2) OR
• A NOS (column 1/column 2) and the other is a subtype/variant of that NOS (column 3) OR
• A NOS histology in column 3 with an indented subtype/variant
Rule M9 Abstract multiple primaries
ii
when separate/non-contiguous tumors are on different rows in Table 1 in the Equivalent
Terms and Definitions.
Note: Each row in the table is a distinctly different histology.
Rule M10 Abstract a single primary
i
when an in situ tumor is diagnosed after an invasive tumor AND tumors occur in the same
kidney.
Note 1: The rules are hierarchical. Only use this rule when none of the previous rules apply.
Note 2: The tumors may be a NOS and a subtype/variant of that NOS. See Table 1
in the Equivalent Terms and Definitions for
listings of NOS and subtype/variants.
Note 3: Once the patient has an invasive tumor, the in situ is recorded as a recurrence for those registrars who collect recurrence
data.
Rule M11 Abstract a single primary
i
(the invasive) when an invasive tumor is diagnosed less than or equal to 60 days after an in
situ tumor in the same kidney.
Note 1: The rules are hierarchical. Only use this rule when none of the previous rules apply.
Note 2: The tumors may be a NOS and a subtype/variant of that NOS.
Note 3: When the case has been abstracted, change behavior code on original abstract from /2 to /3.
Note 4: Do not change date of diagnosis.
Note 5: If the case has already been submitted to the central registry, report all changes.
Note 6: The physician may stage both tumors because staging and determining multiple primaries are done for different reasons.
Staging determines which treatment would be most effective. Determining multiple primaries is done to stabilize the data
for the study of epidemiology (long-term studies done on incidence, mortality, and causation of a disease with the goal of
reducing or eliminating that disease).
Note 7: See the COC and SEER manuals for instructions on coding other data items such as Date of Diagnosis, Accession Year
and Sequence Number.
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Kidney Multiple Primary Rules
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(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
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Rule M12 Abstract multiple primaries
ii
when an invasive tumor occurs more than 60 days after an in situ tumor.
Note 1: The rules are hierarchical. Only use this rule when none of the previous rules apply.
Note 2: Abstract both the invasive and in situ tumors.
Note 3: Abstract as multiple primaries even if physician states the invasive tumor is disease recurrence or progression.
Rule M13 Abstract a single primary
i
when there are multiple tumors that do not meet any of the above criteria.
Note: Use this rule as a last resort. Please confirm that you have not overlooked an applicable rule.
Example 1: Patient presents in 2018 with renal cell carcinoma in the right kidney. Patient has a history of a previous renal cell
carcinoma in the right kidney diagnosed in 2016. This is a single primary because it is the same primary site and the
same histology.
Example 2: Patient presents in 2020 with a clear cell renal cell carcinoma 8310/3 in the left kidney. The patient was diagnosed
with renal cell carcinoma 8312/3 in 2018. This is a single primary because it is the same primary site and a NOS and
subtype/variant of that NOS.
This is the end of instructions for Multiple Tumors.
i
Prepare one abstract. Use the histology coding rules to assign the appropriate histology code. For registries collecting recurrence data:
When a subsequent tumor is “single primary,” record that subsequent tumor as a recurrence.
ii
Prepare two or more abstracts. Use the histology coding rules to assign the appropriate histology code to each case abstracted.
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Kidney Histology Rules
C649
(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
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Priority Order for Using Documents to Identify Histology
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. Code the histology diagnosed prior to neoadjuvant treatment.
Note 1: Histology changes may occur following immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy.
Note 2: Neoadjuvant treatment is any tumor-related treatment given prior to surgical removal of the malignancy.
Exception: If the initial diagnosis is based on histology from FNA, smears, cytology, or from a regional or metastatic site, and
neoadjuvant treatment is given and followed by resection of primary site which identifies a different or specific histology, code the
histology from the primary site.
2. Code the histology using the following priority list and the Histology Rules. Do not change histology in order to make the case
applicable to staging.
The priority list is used for single primaries (including multiple tumors abstracted as a single primary).
This is a hierarchical list of source documentation.
Code the most specific pathology/tissue from either resection or biopsy.
Note 1: The term “most specific” usually refers to a subtype/variant.
Note 2: The histology rules instruct to code the invasive histology when there are in situ and invasive components in a single tumor.
Note 3: When there is a discrepancy between the biopsy and resection (two distinctly different histologies/different rows), code the histology
from the most representative specimen (the greater amount of tumor).
1. Tissue or pathology report from primary site (in priority order)
A. Addendum(s) and/or comment(s)
B. Final diagnosis / synoptic report as required by CAP
C. CAP protocol
Note 1: Addendums and comments on the pathology report are given the highest priority because they often contain information about
molecular testing, genetic testing, and/or special stains which give a more specific diagnosis.
Note 2: The pathologist’s diagnosis from the pathology report is always reliable, so the final diagnosis is the second priority.
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Kidney Histology Rules
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Note 3: The CAP protocol is a checklist which:
•
Provides guidelines for collecting the essential data elements for complete reporting of malignant tumors and optimal
patient care
• Allows physicians to check multiple histologies
2. Cytology (urine)
3. Tissue/pathology from a metastatic site
Note 1: Code the behavior /3.
Note 2: The tissue from a metastatic site often shows variations from the primary tumor. When it is the only tissue available, it is more
accurate than a scan.
4. Scan: The following list is not in priority order because they are not a reliable method for identifying specific histology(ies).
A. MRI
B. CT
C. PET
5. Code the histology documented by the physician when none of the above are available. Use the documentation in the following
priority order:
A. Treatment plan
B. Documentation from Tumor Board
C. Documentation in the medical record that refers to original pathology, cytology, or scan(s)
D. Physician’s reference to type of cancer (histology) in the medical record
Note 1: Code the specific histology when documented.
Note 2: Code the histology to 8000 (cancer/malignant neoplasm, NOS) or as stated by the physician when nothing more specific is
documented.
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Kidney Histology Rules
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Coding Histology
Note 1: The priority is to code the most specific histology. DO NOT USE BREAST HISTOLOGY CODING RULES FOR THIS
SITE.
Note 2: Only use this section for one or more histologies within a single tumor.
Note 3: Do not use this section in place of the Histology Rules.
1. Code the most specific histology or subtype/variant, regardless of whether it is described as:
A. The majority or predominant part of tumor
B. The minority of tumor
C. A component
Example 1: Diagnosis for a single tumor is renal cell carcinoma 8312 with the majority or predominant part of tumor being clear
cell renal cell carcinoma 8310. Code the subtype/variant: clear cell renal cell carcinoma 8310.
Example 2: Diagnosis for a single tumor is neuroendocrine tumor 8041 with minority of tumor being large cell neuroendocrine
tumor 8013. Code the subtype/variant: large cell neuroendocrine tumor 8013.
Example 3: Diagnosis for a single tumor is sarcoma NOS 8800/3 with a component of leiomyosarcoma 8890/3. Code the
subtype/variant: leiomyosarcoma 8890/3.
Note 1: The terms above (A, B, C) must describe a carcinoma or sarcoma in order to code a histology described by those terms.
Example: When the diagnosis is adenocarcinoma with a clear cell carcinoma component, code clear cell carcinoma
8310.
Negative Example: When the diagnosis is simply adenocarcinoma with a clear cell component, code adenocarcinoma
NOS 8140. Do not assume this is a clear cell carcinoma. This could be clear cell differentiation or
features.
Note 2: When the most specific histology is described as differentiation or features, see #2.
2. Code the histology described as differentiation or features/features of ONLY when there is a specific ICD-O code for the “NOS
with ____ features” or “NOS with ____ differentiation”.
Note: Do not code differentiation or features when there is no specific ICD-O code.
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Kidney Histology Rules
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3. Code the specific histology described by ambiguous terminology (list follows) ONLY when A or B is true:
A. The only diagnosis available is one histology term described by ambiguous terminology
• CoC and SEER require reporting of cases diagnosed only by ambiguous terminology
• Case is accessioned (added to your database) based on ambiguous terminology and no other histology information is
available/documented
Example: Outpatient biopsy says probably papillary renal cell carcinoma. The case is accessioned (entered into the database)
as required by both SEER and COC. No further information is available. Code the histology papillary renal cell
carcinoma. The case meets the criteria in #3A.
B. There is a NOS histology and a more specific (subtype/variant) described by ambiguous terminology
• Specific histology is clinically confirmed by a physician (attending, pathologist, oncologist, etc.) OR
• Patient is receiving treatment based on the specific histology described by ambiguous term
Example 1: The pathology diagnosis is renal cell carcinoma consistent with chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. The
oncology consult says the patient has chromophobe renal cell carcinoma of the right kidney. This is clinical
confirmation of the diagnosis, code chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. The case meets the criteria in bullet 1.
Example 2: The pathology diagnosis is neuroendocrine tumor consistent with large cell neuroendocrine tumor. The treatment
plan says the patient will receive treatment for large cell neuroendocrine tumor. Treatment plan confirms large
cell neuroendocrine tumor; code large cell neuroendocrine tumor. The case meets the criteria in bullet 2.
If the specific histology does not meet the criteria in #3B, then code the NOS histology.
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Kidney Histology Rules
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List of Ambiguous Terminology
Apparently
Appears
Comparable with
Compatible with
Consistent with
Favor(s)
Malignant appearing
Most likely
Presumed
Probable
Suspect(ed)
Suspicious (for)
Typical (of)
4. Do not code histology when described as:
• Architecture
• Foci; focus; focal
• Pattern
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Kidney Histology Rules
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Single Tumor
Rule H1 Code the histology when only one histology is present.
Note 1: Use Table 1 to code histology. New codes, terms, and synonyms are included in Table 1 and coding errors may occur if
the table is not used.
Note 2: When the histology is not listed in Table 1 use the ICD-O and all updates.
Note 3: Submit a question to Ask a SEER Registrar
when the histology code is not found in Table 1, ICD-O or all updates.
Rule H2 Code the NOS histology when there are:
• A NOS and two or more variants of that NOS present in the tumor OR
• Two or more variants of a NOS present in the tumor
Example 1: The diagnosis is a single tumor with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) 8312, papillary renal cell carcinoma 8260, and
mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma 8480. Papillary renal cell carcinoma and mucinous tubular and spindle
cell carcinoma are subtypes/variants of renal cell carcinoma. Code the histology to the NOS, RCC 8312.
Example 2: The diagnosis is spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma 8912 and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma 8920. Both are
subtypes/variants of rhabdomyosarcoma 8900. Code the NOS, rhabdomyosarcoma.
Informational Item: WHO 4
th
edition Tumors of the Urinary System has proposed ICD-O code 8323/1 for clear cell papillary renal
cell carcinoma. This has not been approved for implementation by the standard setters in 2018.
Note: Use Table 1
in the Equivalent Terms and Definitions to determine NOS and subtype/variant.
Rule H3 Code the subtype/variant when a NOS and a single subtype/variant of that NOS are present.
• Renal cell carcinoma NOS 8312 and a subtype/variant of RCC
• Rhabdomyosarcoma 8900 and a subtype/variant of rhabdomyosarcoma
• Well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor 8240 and subtype/variant of well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor
Note: Use Table 1 in the Equivalent Terms and Definitions to determine NOS and subtype/variant.
This is the end of instructions for Single Tumor.
Code the histology according to the rule that fits the case.
Kidney Solid Tumor Rules
September 2021 Update
20
Kidney Histology Rules
C649
(Excludes lymphoma and leukemia M9590 – M9992 and Kaposi sarcoma M9140)
Jump to Equivalent Terms and Definitions
Jump to Multiple Primary Rules
Multiple Tumors Abstracted as a Single Primary
Note: Multiple tumors must be a single primary to use these rules. See the Multiple Primary Rules
to determine whether these tumors are a
single primary.
Rule H4 Code the histology when only one histology is present in all tumors.
Note 1: Use Table 1 to code histology. New codes, terms, and synonyms are included in Table 1 and coding errors may occur if
the table is not used.
Note 2: When the histology is not listed in Table 1 use the ICD-O and all updates.
Note 3: Submit a question to Ask a SEER Registrar
when the histology code is not found in Table 1, ICD-O or all updates.
Rule H5 Code the NOS when there are:
• A NOS and two or more variants of that NOS present in the tumors OR
• Two or more variants of a NOS present in the tumors
Example 1: The diagnosis is a single tumor with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) 8312, papillary renal cell carcinoma 8260, and
mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma 8480. Papillary renal cell carcinoma and mucinous tubular and spindle
cell carcinoma are subtypes/variants of renal cell carcinoma. Code the histology to the NOS: RCC 8312.
Example 2: The diagnosis is spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma 8912 and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma 8920. Both are
subtypes/variants of rhabdomyosarcoma 8900. Code the NOS: rhabdomyosarcoma.
Informational Item: WHO 4
th
edition Tumors of the Urinary System has proposed ICD-O code 8323/1 for clear cell papillary renal
cell carcinoma. This has not been approved for implementation by the standard setters in 2018.
Note: Use Table 1
in the Equivalent Terms and Definitions to determine NOS and subtype/variant.
Rule H6 Code the subtype/variant when a NOS and a single subtype/variant of that NOS are present such as the following:
• Renal cell carcinoma 8312 and a subtype/variant of renal cell carcinoma
• Rhabdomyosarcoma 8900 and a subtype/variant of rhabdomyosarcoma
• Well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor 8240 and subtype/variant of well differentiated neuroendocrine tumor
Note: Use Table 1 in the Equivalent Terms and Definitions to determine NOS and subtype/variant.
This is the end of instructions for Multiple Tumors Abstracted as a Single Primary.
Code the histology according to the rule that fits the case
Kidney Solid Tumor Rules
September 2021 Update
21
