Page | 1
CDCS FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS
This question pertains to the Prostate Case Study. What is the histology
and behavior code?
8010/3
8140/3
8260/3
8550/3 Ans: Only one histologic type was stated. Using the 2007 MP/H
rules for Other Sites (which includes prostate), single tumor invasive only
module, the first rule that applies is H11. Adenocarcinoma, invasive
(8140/3).
This question pertains to the Breast Case Study. What is the primary site
code?
C50.2
C50.8
C50.4
C50.3 Ans: C50.4
The only description of the location of the mass is on the mammogram.
The 2:00 o'clock position in the left breast is in the upper outer quadrant.
The separate 3.0cm mass was described as being in the same area. Since
all tumors are in the same quadrant, that specific quadrant can be
assigned.
This question pertains to the Colon Case Study. What is the best code
and classification for the AJCC pathological M?
, Page | 2
cM1
pM1
cM1a
pM1a
cM1b
pM1b Ans: pM1a
There was a biopsy of liver that was positive for metastatic
adenocarcinoma consistent with colonic primary. The metastasis was
confined to one organ. A biopsy was done and was positive which meets
the requirements for pathological assignment.
Staging classifications are a coded format, usually numerical, that
generally have increasing values that represent which of the following?
More aggressive cancer
More extensive cancer
A higher grade of tumor
A higher morphology code Ans: More extensive cancer
Staging classifications are a coded format, usually numerical, that have
increasing values that represent greater extent of disease, or disease
involvement. A higher stage cancer is not necessarily the most
aggressive as some cancers are by nature more aggressive than others.
Tumor grade is different than staging and is used to describe how much
or how little the cancer cells resembles the normal tissue from which it
arose. The morphology code denotes the type of cancer and does not
represent stage.
According to the general rules in the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, direct
extension of the primary tumor into regional lymph nodes is considered:
, Page | 3
Local disease
Regional lymph node metastasis
Direct extension into the surrounding tissues
Distant disease Ans: Regional lymph node metastasis
Direct extension of the primary tumor into regional lymph nodes is
considered lymph node metastasis and is classified in the AJCC N
category for regional nodal involvement.
This question pertains to the Lung Case Study. What is the primary site
code?
C34.0
C34.1
C34.2
C34.3
C34.8
C34.9 Ans: The correct answer is C34.1. There was only one tumor and
it was in the upper lobe of the right lung.
This question pertains to the Colon Case Study. What is the primary site
code?
C18.0
C18.2
C18.4
C18.6 Ans: The only mention of tumor location was on the CT. The
tumor was in the ascending colon (C18.2).
CDCS FINAL EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS
This question pertains to the Prostate Case Study. What is the histology
and behavior code?
8010/3
8140/3
8260/3
8550/3 Ans: Only one histologic type was stated. Using the 2007 MP/H
rules for Other Sites (which includes prostate), single tumor invasive only
module, the first rule that applies is H11. Adenocarcinoma, invasive
(8140/3).
This question pertains to the Breast Case Study. What is the primary site
code?
C50.2
C50.8
C50.4
C50.3 Ans: C50.4
The only description of the location of the mass is on the mammogram.
The 2:00 o'clock position in the left breast is in the upper outer quadrant.
The separate 3.0cm mass was described as being in the same area. Since
all tumors are in the same quadrant, that specific quadrant can be
assigned.
This question pertains to the Colon Case Study. What is the best code
and classification for the AJCC pathological M?
, Page | 2
cM1
pM1
cM1a
pM1a
cM1b
pM1b Ans: pM1a
There was a biopsy of liver that was positive for metastatic
adenocarcinoma consistent with colonic primary. The metastasis was
confined to one organ. A biopsy was done and was positive which meets
the requirements for pathological assignment.
Staging classifications are a coded format, usually numerical, that
generally have increasing values that represent which of the following?
More aggressive cancer
More extensive cancer
A higher grade of tumor
A higher morphology code Ans: More extensive cancer
Staging classifications are a coded format, usually numerical, that have
increasing values that represent greater extent of disease, or disease
involvement. A higher stage cancer is not necessarily the most
aggressive as some cancers are by nature more aggressive than others.
Tumor grade is different than staging and is used to describe how much
or how little the cancer cells resembles the normal tissue from which it
arose. The morphology code denotes the type of cancer and does not
represent stage.
According to the general rules in the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, direct
extension of the primary tumor into regional lymph nodes is considered:
, Page | 3
Local disease
Regional lymph node metastasis
Direct extension into the surrounding tissues
Distant disease Ans: Regional lymph node metastasis
Direct extension of the primary tumor into regional lymph nodes is
considered lymph node metastasis and is classified in the AJCC N
category for regional nodal involvement.
This question pertains to the Lung Case Study. What is the primary site
code?
C34.0
C34.1
C34.2
C34.3
C34.8
C34.9 Ans: The correct answer is C34.1. There was only one tumor and
it was in the upper lobe of the right lung.
This question pertains to the Colon Case Study. What is the primary site
code?
C18.0
C18.2
C18.4
C18.6 Ans: The only mention of tumor location was on the CT. The
tumor was in the ascending colon (C18.2).
