V.1.6 Uncertain Diagnoses

Vague or ambiguous terms are sometimes used by physicians when indicating the primary site of a tumor. Interpretation of terms in this context is like their interpretation in a diagnosis of cancer itself.  See Section II.1.6.1.

Interpret the following terms as indication of the primary site:

• Apparently (malignant)
• Appears to
• Comparable with
• Compatible with (a malignancy)
• Consistent with (a malignancy)
• Favor (a malignancy)
• Malignant appearing
• Most likely (malignant)
• Presumed (malignant)
• Probable (malignancy)
• Suspect or suspected (malignancy)
• Suspicious (of malignancy)
• Typical (of/for malignancy)

Do not interpret the following terms as indication of the primary site:

• Approaching (malignancy)
• Cannot be ruled out
• Equivocal (for malignancy)
• Possible (malignancy)
• Potentially malignant
• Questionable (malignancy)
• Rule out (malignancy)
• Suggests (malignancy)
• Very close to (malignancy)
• Worrisome (for malignancy)

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