Site-Specific Factor 2
Pleural/Elastic Layer Invasion (PL) by H and E or Elastic Stain
Notes
**Note 1:** AJCC Staging Manual 7th Edition includes a standardized and precise definition of pleural/elastic layer invasion (PL). There are four categories (1) * **PL0** - Tumor that is surrounded by lung parenchyma or invades superficially into the pleural connective tissue beneath the elastic layer but falls short of completely traversing the elastic layer of the pleura * **PL1** - Tumor that invades beyond the elastic layer * **PL2** - Tumor that extends to the surface of the visceral pleura * **PL3** - Tumor that invades the parietal pleura Categories PL1 and PL2 are classified as pleural invasion for staging and are classified as at least a T2. PL3 is classified as at least a T3. PL0 is not pleural invasion for TNM staging, and the T category is assigned based on other criteria. Other criteria can also raise the T category for PL1-3 tumors. When pathologists have difficulty assessing the relationship of the tumor to the elastic layer on routine hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stains, they may perform a special elastic stain to make the determination. **Note 2:** Code results as stated on the pathology report. * Code 998 if no histologic examination of pleura to assess pleural layer invasion **Note 3:** If pleural/elastic layer invasion (PL) is not mentioned on the pathology report, code 999. **Note 4:** An FNA is not a histologic specimen and is not adequate to assess pleural layer invasion. * If only an FNA is available, use code 998 **Note 5:** Metastasis to the pleural, that is pleura tumor foci or nodules separate from direct invasion, are coded in distant metastasis.Default
999NAACCR Item
NAACCR #2890Metadata
None| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 000 | PL 0 No evidence of visceral pleural invasion (PL) Tumor does not completely traverse the elastic layer |
| 010 | PL 1 Invasion beyond the visceral elastic pleura, but limited to the pulmonary pleura Tumor extends through the elastic layer |
| 020 | PL 2 Invasion to the surface of the pulmonary pleura Tumor extends to the surface of the visceral pleura |
| 030 | PL 3 Tumor extends to the parietal pleura |
| 040 | Invasion of pleura, NOS |
| 988 | Not applicable: Information not collected for this case |
| 998 | No histologic examination of pleura to assess pleural layer invasion |
| 999 | Unknown if PL present PL/elastic layer cannot be assessed Not documented in patient record |