pM Classification

Field Length:  4

Pathologic M records the presence or absence of distant metastases following the completion of surgical therapy.

Record the pathologic M value as documented by the treating physician or managing physician in the medical record.  If the managing physician has not recorded pathologic M, registrars should code this item based on the best available information, without necessarily requiring additional contact with the physician.

If the value is only one digit, record it in the space to the left and leave the remaining spaces blank. Choose the lower (less advanced) M category when there is any uncertainty. Refer to the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual for coding rules.