LOINC Code 21909-7: Descriptor.clinical Cancer Narrative

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 Descriptor.clinical. 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

• Descriptor.clinical Cancer Narrative
• Descriptor.clinical
• Identifies the AJCC clinical stage (prefix/suffix) descriptor as recorded by the physician. AJCC stage descriptors identify special cases that need separate data analysis. The descriptors are adjuncts to and do not change the stage group. Pathologic, clinical, and other stage data are given three separate areas in the NAACCR Data Exchange Record Layout. COC defines a descriptor and "Staged By" item for each of these three areas. COC requires that AJCC TNM staging be used in its approved cancer programs. AJCC developed its staging system for evaluating trends in the treatment and control of cancer. This staging is used by physicians to estimate prognosis, to plan treatment, to evaluate new types of therapy, to analyze outcome, to design follow-up strategies, and to assess early detection results... NAACCR Data Standards and Data Dictionary Version 11
• CA; Descript.clinical; Finding; Findings; Misc; Miscellaneous; Narrative; Oncology; Other; Point in time; Random; Report; Spec; To be specified in another part of the message; TUMOR REGISTRY(NAACCR); 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