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U.S. National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute

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 site/histology groups 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.

SEER converts data originally coded in versions prior to ICD-O-3 to ICD-O-3, and uses the ICD-O-3 site recodes based on these converted data and cases originally coded in ICD-O-3. If all histologies for all years have been converted to ICD-O-3, use the ICD-O-3 (1/27/2003) recode. If the analyses includes any cases diagnosed 2010+, the ICD-O-3 recode with adjustment for WHO 2008 hematopoietic histologies should be used.

For cases originally coded and not converted, the ICD-O-2 (1/27/2003) and ICD-O-3 (1/27/2003) definitions can be used for cases coded in ICD-O-2 and ICD-O-3, respectively, and include the same set of site groups to ensure comparability to one another. 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 Supported by SEER*Prep 2.0 and later
Site Recode ICD-O-3
(1/27/2003)
  • Used with Mesothelioma and Kaposi Sarcoma as separate groupings to produce the SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2001 and later versions which do not include any 2010+ cases.
  • Recommended variable for reporting based on the SEER Program Research Data 1973-2001, and later releases up to 1973-2009.
  • Can be used with Site Recode ICD-O-2 (1/27/2003) for consistent site/type definitions over time when data includes ICD-O-2 cases not converted to ICD-O-3.
  • The definition was updated on 5/25/2012 to exclude skin cancers with histology 8046. Implemented in SEER*Prep 2.4.6 and treated as other non-reportable skin cancers.
Current Definitions Not Supported by SEER*Prep
Site Recode ICD-O-3 2010+ cases WHO heme
  • Based on ICD-O-3, updated for Hematopoietic codes based on WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues (2008).
  • Recommended variable for analyses with any cases diagnosed in 2010 and later.  SEER will use this recode for analyses that includes any cases diagnosed 2010+. 
  • Can be used with Site Recode ICD-O-2 (1/27/2003) for consistent site/type definitions over time when data includes ICD-O-2 cases not converted to ICD-O-3.
Site Recode B ICD-O-3
(12/19/2003)
  • Based on ICD-O-3
  • Developed for use in SEER*Stat within the MP-SIR session in collaboration with the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and GeneticsExternal Web Site Policy
  • Differs from the original site recode variables in that it includes additional site subtotals, and in some cases, more detailed breakdown of sites
  • Not typically used by SEER to report incidence cancer statistics
Historic 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 Research Data (1973-2000), Nov 2002 submission
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 Research 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.