Collaborative Stage

Note 1: Isolated tumor cells (ITCs) are defined as single tumor cells or small clusters not greater than 0.2 mm, usually detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) (see CS Site-Specific Factor 4), Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) (see CS Lymph Nodes code 050, or molecular (MOL) methods (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction, RT-PCR). ITCs do not usually show evidence of malignant activity (e.g., proliferation or stromal reaction.)
Note 2: Use codes 000-002 only to report results of MOL studies (RT-PCR) when CS Lymph Nodes is coded 000. Otherwise code 987 in this field.
Note 3: If it is not stated whether molecular tests are done, assume they are not done.

Code	Description
000	Regional lymph nodes negative on routine hematoxylin and eosin (H and E), no RT-PCR molecular (MOL) studies done OR unknown if RT-PCR studies done Nodes clinically negative, not examined pathologically
001	Regional lymph nodes negative on routine H and E, RT-PCR MOL studies done, negative for tumor
002	Regional lymph nodes negative on routine H and E, RT-PCR MOL studies done, positive for tumor
888	OBSOLETE DATA CONVERTED V0200 See code 987 Not applicable CS Lymph Nodes not coded 000
987	Not applicable: CS Lymph Nodes not coded 000
988	Not applicable: Information not collected for this case (If this item is required by your standard setter, use of code 988 will result in an edit error.)

CS Site-Specific Factor 5
Molecular (MOL) Studies of Regional Lymph Nodes