Lymph Nodes Laterality
Description
This data item describes whether positive regional lymph nodes are unilateral or bilateral.
Rationale
Laterality of regional node metastasis is a Registry Data Collection Variable in AJCC. This data item was previously collected as Vulva, CS SSF #11.
Additional Info
**Source documents:** pathology report, imaging, physical exam, other statement in record
Notes
**Note:** **Physician Statement**
* Physician statement of lymph node laterality can be used to code this data item when no other information is available.
Coding Guidelines
**1)** Code the appropriate description of involved regional lymph nodes
**2)** **Code 0** when all regional lymph nodes are negative
**3)** **Code 1** when
* **a.** All positive regional nodes are ipsilateral
* **b.** Involved lymph nodes are described as unilateral
* **c.** Only one regional node positive
**4)** **Code 2** when
* **a.** At least one regional lymph node is involved on each side of the body
* **b.** Involvement is described as bilateral or contralateral
**5)** **Code 3** when regional lymph node(s) are described as positive, but the laterality of the involved nodes is unknown
**6)** **Code 9** when
* **a.** Lymph nodes were not examined or assessed
* **b.** There is no information in the medical record about regional lymph node involvement
* **c.** The status of regional lymph nodes is unknown
Default
8
Metadata
SSDI
| Code |
Description |
| 0 |
No regional lymph node involvement
Non-invasive neoplasm (behavior /2) |
| 1 |
Unilateral - all positive regional nodes with same laterality
OR only one regional node positive |
| 2 |
Bilateral - positive bilateral regional lymph nodes |
| 3 |
Laterality unknown - positive regional lymph nodes with unknown laterality |
| 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
Lymph node laterality not assessed or unknown if assessed |
