Histology

Field Length:   4

The current Solid Tumor Rules, the Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Neoplasm Coding Manual and Database, and the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, Third Edition, Second Revision Morphology (ICD-O-3.2) are the standard references for histology codes.

See the NAACCR website for additional updates for 2023.

Histology Coding for Solid Tumors

Apply the general instructions and instructions for coding histologic type in the current Solid Tumor Rules.

Apply the site-specific histology coding rules in the current Solid Tumor Rules.

Refer to the most current Solid Tumor Rules for histology code changes.

1. Beginning with cases diagnosed 01/01/2022, p16 test results can be used to code squamous cell carcinoma, HPV positive (8085) and squamous cell carcinoma, HPV negative (8086).

2. Beginning with cases diagnosed 01/01/2022, non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, HPV positive is coded 8085 for sites listed in Head and Neck Solid Tumor Rules Table 5 only. A diagnosis of non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, NOS is coded 8072.

3. Beginning with cases diagnosed 01/01/2022, keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, HPV negative is coded 8086 for sites listed in Head and Neck Solid Tumor Rules Table 5 only. A diagnosis of keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, NOS is coded 8071.

4. Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma is coded 8323/3. The 2016 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Urinary System and Male Genital Organs, 4th Edition, reclassified this histology as a /1 because it is low nuclear grade and is now thought to be a neoplasia. This change has not yet been implemented and it remains reportable as behavior /3.

Site-specific histology coding rules cover the following sites/types.

Histology Coding for Hematopoietic and Lymphatic Primaries

Apply the Histology Coding Rules in the Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Neoplasm Coding Manual and Database.