Download the Multiple Primary and Histology Coding Rules Manual
Revised May 6, 2008

The Multiple Primary and Histology Coding Rules are available in three formats: flowchart, matrix and text. The different formats were developed to meet the needs of different learning styles. The rules are identical in each of the three formats. Using all three formats is not recommended. It is best to choose one format. Do not combine old rules with the new.

The MP/H Rules manual is available in PDF format and may be downloaded below as a single file or by section. Hard copy of the manual is available for purchase from the National Cancer Registrar Association (NCRA) Web site: http://www.ncra-usa.org/store/index.htm#pubs8.

Note: The 5/6/2008 revisions include the incorporation of the Benign Brain & CNS rules into the main manual, as well as updates needed to ensure that the manual sections are accessible to individuals who use screen readers. Of the three rules formats (flowchart, matrix, and text) only the text format is accessible. Replacement pages released on 1/8/08 and 2/8/2008 have also been incorporated into the manual files below. You may download the entire section which includes replacement pages, or the replacement pages as separate files.

MP/H Rules Manual with Replacement Pages

You must first read the "Multiple Primary Instructions and Histology Instructions" and appropriate "Terms and Definitions" in order to use the rules properly.  Please read and follow those instructions.

Manual Sections

• Cover, Table of Contents, Preface (1 MB)
• Multiple Primary Instructions and Histology Instructions (693 KB)
• Terms & Definitions - Multiple Primary and Histology Coding Rules (3.3 MB)
• Multiple Primary and Histology Coding Rules
  • Flowchart Format (2.2 MB)
  • Table Matrix Format (2.5 MB)
  • Text Format - 508 Accessible Format (1.7 MB)
• New Data Items (1.5 MB)
• Appendix A: Histology Coding Committee and Project Roster (1.1 MB)
• Appendix B: Commission on Cancer Site Teams (961 KB)

Complete Manual in a single PDF (6.6 MB)

Replacement Pages

If you have already downloaded and printed an earlier version of the manual, you can access the replacement pages below separately to insert into your copy.

• Benign Brain & CNS - released 5/6/2008 (1.5 MB)
• February 2008 - released 2/8/2008 (294 KB)
• November 2007 - released 1/8/2008 (835 KB)

Suggested Citation

Johnson CH, Peace S, Adamo P, Fritz A, Percy-Laurry A, Edwards BK.  The 2007 Multiple Primary and Histology Coding Rules.  National Cancer Institute, Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program.  Bethesda, MD, 2007.