V.2 Laterality

Coding Instructions:

• Laterality must be coded for all paired sites. See Paired Sites for additional information.

• Laterality may be coded for non-paired sites other than those required: for example, thyroid.

• Code 0 is appropriate for non-paired sites, not otherwise specified.

• Primary Site is unknown (C809).

• Metastatic bilateral involvement is not coded for laterality.

• Assign code 3 if the laterality is not known but the tumor is confined to a single side of the paired organ.

• Code 4 should not be used for bilateral primaries for which separate abstracts are prepared or when the side of origin is known and the tumor has spread to the other side.

Example:

A left ovarian primary with metastases to the right ovary is code 2, rather than code 4.

• Assign code 5 when the tumor originates in the midline of a paired organ or site (effective with 1/1/2010 dx).

Example:
Patient has an excision of a melanoma located above the umbilicus.

• All primary brain and CNS tumors diagnosed prior to January 1, 2004, are coded: Laterality 0 (not a paired site).

• Site code C70.0, C71.0-C71.4, C72.2 diagnosed January 1, 2004 and forward require a laterality codes 1-5 or 9.

• All other CNS/brain subsites of C70, C71, and C72 are coded: Laterality 0 (not a paired organ) regardless of the date of diagnosis. All pituitary and pineal gland and craniopharyngeal duct tumors (C75.1-3) are coded Laterality = 0 (not a paired site).

• Assign code 9 when the neoplasm originated in a paired site and the laterality is unknown AND there is no statement that only one side of the paired organ is involved.

• The CCR requires text documentation to support the laterality code

Codes:

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