Tumor Tip of the Week-10-30-2026 CRM when More than is used

10-30-2026 CRM when More than is used

Scenario:

• 2026 diagnosis

• Right hemicolectomy: Tumor Site: Cecum Hist Type: Adenocarcinoma Hist Grade: G2 Tumor Size: 6.5 cm Tumor Ext: Invades through the muscularis propria into the pericolic or perirectal tissue LVI: Small Vessel PNI: N/I Margins: Negative RLNS: (11/32) TD: Present (1) pT3 pN2b Gross Description: The lesion is more than 1 cm from the mesenteric margin.

Question: How would you code SSDI Circumferential or Radial Resection Margin (CRM)

• 1.0
• 1.1
• 11.0
• 11.1
• XX.1 Margins clear, distance from tumor not stated

Answer: 11.1

The general instruction from the SSDI manual regarding recording values “greater than” can be applied. https://cancerbulletin.facs.org/forums/node/179658#post180249

SSDI Manual General Instructions:

Recording values when “less than,” “greater than,” and “or least” are used Record the value as one less than stated when a value is reported as “less than X,” and as one more than stated when a value is reported as “more than X” or “at least.” One less or one more may refer to a whole number (1), or a decimal (0.1), depending on the code structure of the field.