LOINC Code 21887-5: SEER summary stage 1977 Cancer
21887-5 is a LOINC code used to identify SEER summary stage 1977 Cancer in laboratory and clinical observation data. You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges. LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component SEER summary stage 1977. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Cancer.XXX.
What is this code?
LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component SEER summary stage 1977. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Cancer.XXX.
When is it used?
- Used in lab systems, EHRs, and clinical data exchange.
- May identify a test, observation, survey item, or clinical document request rather than a diagnosis.
- Status: ACTIVE
What it does not mean
- The code identifies the observation or test, not the actual result.
Key facts
- SEER summary stage 1977 Cancer
- SEER summary stage 1977
- Code for summary stage at the initial diagnosis or treatment of the reportable tumor. This has traditionally been used by central registries to monitor time trends. For hospital registries, COC requires its use in the absence of a defined AJCC classification. For site-specific definitions of categories, see the SEER Summary Staging Guide. SEER Summary Stage 1977 is limited to information available within 2 months of the date of diagnosis. NAACCR approved extension of this time period to 4 months for prostate tumors diagnosed beginning January 1, 1995. Stage information is important when evaluating the effects of cancer control programs. It is crucial for understanding whether changes over time in incidence rates or outcomes are due to earlier detection of the cancers. In addition, cancer treatment cannot be studied without knowing the stage at diagnosis. To study historical trends in stage, the coding system must be relatively unchanged (stable) over time. AJCC's TNM system is updated periodically to maintain clinical relevance with changes in diagnosis and treatment. The surveillance registries often rely on the Summary Stage, which they consider to be more "stable." Summary Stage has been in widespread use, either as the primary staging scheme or a secondary scheme, in most central and hospital registries since 1977... NAACCR Data Standards and Data Dictionary Version 11
- CA; Misc; Miscellaneous; Nominal; Oncology; Other; Point in time; Random; SEER SS1977; Spec; SS; Surveillance Epidemiology and End Result; To be specified in another part of the message; TUMOR REGISTRY(NAACCR); Typ; Unspecified
Where you may see this code
You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges.
Common synonyms
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from LOINC. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.