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

NAACCR Item

NAACCR #3881

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