Records the exact number of regional nodes examined by the pathologist and found to contain metastases. Beginning with tumors diagnosed on or after January 1, 2004, this item is a component of the Collaborative Stage system. For tumors diagnosed from 1988 through 2003, this item was part of the 10-digit EOD [779], detailed site-specific codes for anatomic EOD.

This data item is necessary for pathologic staging, and it serves as a quality measure for pathology reports and the extent of the surgical evaluation and treatment of the patient.

00	All nodes examined are negative
01-89	1-89 nodes are positive (code exact number of nodes positive)
90	90 or more nodes are positive
95	Positive aspiration of lymph node(s) was performed
97	Positive nodes are documented, but the number is unspecified
98	No nodes were examined
99	It is unknown whether nodes are positive; not applicable; not stated in patient record

Note: See Chapter V, Unresolved Issues, for a discussion of coding differences between CoC and SEER.