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SEER Incidence Site Recode

The values of SEER site recode variables are based on the primary site and histology data fields submitted to SEER by the registries. The site recode variables define the major cancer sites that are commonly used in the reporting of cancer incidence data. For example, there is a section of the SEER Cancer Statistics Review for each major site corresponding to groupings in a site recode variable. The site recode variables are added to the SEER databases as a convenience for researchers.

The table below contains definitions for the available site recode variables. Follow the links to view the values of primary site and histology for each grouping. Each definition shows the coding for an additional Site Recode in which mesothelioma and Kaposi sarcoma are separate categories.

The ICD-O-2 (1/27/2003) and ICD-O-3 (1/27/2003) definitions apply to cases coded in ICD-O-2 and ICD-O-3, respectively. These current definitions of site recode include the same set of site groups and are comparable to one another. If all histologies for all years have been converted to ICD-O-3, use only the ICD-O-3 (1/27/2003) recode. If not, use the ICD-O-3 (1/27/2003) recode for cases in ICD-O-3 and the ICD-O-2 (1/27/2003) recode for cases in ICD-O-2. Do not continue to use the ICD-O-2 (4/15/2002) recode except for historic analysis of ICD-O-2 cases only. Any comparisons between recodes dated 1/27/2003 and 4/15/2002 are invalid.

Version	Details
Current Definitions
Site Recode ICD-O-2 (1/27/2003)	Based on ICD-O-2 Used in tandem with Site Recode ICD-O-3 (1/27/2003) for consistent site/type definitions over time Used to produce the SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2000 Recommended variable for reporting based on the SEER Program Limited-Use Data (1973-2000), Nov 2002 submission Supported by SEER*Prep 2.0 and later (not available in SEER*Prep 1.9)
Site Recode ICD-O-3 (1/27/2003)	Based on ICD-O-3 Used in tandem with Site Recode ICD-O-2 (1/27/2003) for consistent site/type definitions over time Used to produce the SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2001 and later versions Recommended variable for reporting based on the SEER Program Limited-Use Data 1973-2001, and later releases Supported by SEER*Prep 2.0 and later (not available in SEER*Prep 1.9)
Historic Definition
Site Recode ICD-O-2 (4/15/2002)	Use only to duplicate prior analysis of cases diagnosed prior to 2001 Based on ICD-O-2 Used to produce the SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1973-1999 Recommended variable for reporting based on the SEER Program Limited-Use Data (1973-1999), Nov 2001 submission Not available in SEER*Prep 2.2 and later. Listed as "Site Recode (old-4/2002)" in SEER*Prep 2.0 and 2.1. Listed as "Site Recode" in SEER*Prep 1.9.