Pathologic N
This input is used in derivation
Notes
**Note 1:** Histological examination of a regional lymphadenectomy specimen will ordinarily include 6 or more lymph nodes. If the lymph nodes are negative, but the number ordinarily examined is not met, classify as pN0. (1) **Note 2:** Code only regional nodes and nodes, NOS, in this field. Distant nodes are coded in M (distant metastasis). **Note 3:** UICC only has a N2, while AJCC has N2a, N2b, and N2c. If a record comes in with N2a, N2b, or N2c, reassign it to N2. N2 and the subcategories of N2 all stage the same way. **Note 4:** Size of the largest metastasis in a lymph node must be known to assign N. You may use a physician’s statement of the N category if this is the only information in the medical record. * If the size of the metastasis is not documented, determine the size of the largest involved lymph node as documented pathologically. * If the size of the lymph node(s) cannot be determined, assign N1. * Do not code the size of any node(s) assigned in M (distant metastasis). **Regional lymph nodes** Iliac, NOS: External Internal (hypogastric), NOS: Obturator Inguinal, NOS: Deep inguinal, NOS: Node of Cloquet or Rosenmuller (highest deep inguinal) Superficial inguinal (femoral) Regional lymph node, NOS Lymph nodes, NOSNAACCR Item
NAACCR #890| Pathologic N | Pathologic N Display | Description | Registrar Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| pX | pNX | Regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed | Pathologic classification criteria met, evaluation done: Physician unable to assess N Surgical resection primary tumor, no regional lymph nodes removed Involvement of regional lymph nodes not documented Physician assigns pNX, no other information available to determine N |
| p0 | pN0 | No regional lymph node metastasis | |
| p1 | pN1 | Metastasis in a single lymph node, 3 cm or less in greatest dimension | IPSILATERAL positive regional lymph node(s), not stated if single or multiple Positive lymph nodes, not stated if ipsilateral, contralateral or bilateral Stated as N1 |
| p2 | pN2 | Metastasis in a single lymph node, more than 3 cm but not more than 6 cm in greatest dimension, or in multiple lymph nodes, none more than 6 cm in greatest dimension* | Multiple ipsilateral lymph nodes, NOS Bilateral or contralateral lymph nodes, NOS Stated as N2 (N2a, N2b, N2c, N2 [NOS]) |
| p3 | pN3 | Metastasis in a lymph node, more than 6 cm in great dimension | Stated as N3 |
| c0 | cN0 | Clinically: No regional lymph node metastasis | Use only for TNM defined pTis cases where there is a resection of the primary and the nodes are not evaluated pathologically |
| 88 | 88 | Not applicable | Primary site/histology not TNM defined |
| <BLANK> | BLANK | See Registrar Notes | Pathologic classification criteria not met No surgical resection of primary tumor and there isn’t a positive biopsy of a structure in the highest T category and highest N category Evidence of metastatic disease (pM1), no other workup Only Pathologic Stage Group documented (no T, N, or M information available) |