Malignant Neoplasm or CA in Situ?

[Linda Charlwood]

Hi Laureen and Alicia,

I have another question I came across while doing a practice test.

Pathology reports malignant cells in the upper 1/3 of the esophagus that have NOT invaded other organs. The poorly hand written report also notes "it appears the pathologic process is limited to the epithelium lining... there is no histological evidence that the cells have invaded adjacent structures..."

230.1
150.5
150.8
239.0
The answer is 230.1 – But WHY?
I would have thought 150.3 (Which is not a choice) – why carcinoma is situ as opposed to malignant neoplasm?

Is it because this is not the initial finding and it has previously been diagnosed and treated? Is this just a “poorly written” question?
Thanks

 

[Alicia Scott]

Cancer in Situ but state CIS or give you the indication that it is in fact CIS. What CIS is though is a CA that in encapsulated. It does not spread but stays together like a jelly bean. I am not sure why the answer is 230.1 because it must state CIS for you to use that code.

 

[Linda Charlwood]

Thank you Alicia!
I thought it would need to state that - that's why I thought maybe there was another reason like this is an exam AFTER the CA was both found and treated. Since we are not supposed to assume anything and we are not supposed to read into the question more than what is actauly stated - I didn't think there really was a right answer with these choices - but then I guess we are supposed to choose the BEST of the choices - so because it continues to state NOT invaded other organs then I guess the BEST choice would be 230.1 even though it was not stated as CIS.
Thanks!!!!

 

[Alicia Scott]

When it is multiple choice remember what you said, "The best answer."

 

[Linda Charlwood]

Thanks!!