A classification of how a PATIENT DIAGNOSIS relating to cancer was identified.
National Codes:
| Non-microscopic | |
| 0 | Death Certificate: The only information available is from a death certificate | 
| 1 | Clinical: Diagnosis made before death but without the benefit of any of the following (2-7) | 
| 2 | Clinical Investigation: Includes all diagnostic techniques (e.g. X-rays, endoscopy, imaging, ultrasound, exploratory surgery and autopsy) without a TISSUE diagnosis | 
| 4 | Specific tumour markers: Includes biochemical and/or immunological markers which are specific for a tumour site | 
| Microscopic | |
| 5 | Cytology: Examination of cells whether from a primary or secondary site, including fluids aspirated using endoscopes or needles. Also including microscopic examination of peripheral blood films and trephine bone marrow aspirates | 
| 6 | Histology of a mestastases: Histological examination of TISSUES from a metastasis, including autopsy specimens | 
| 7 | Histology of a primary tumour: Histological examination of TISSUE from the primary tumour, however obtained, including all cutting and bone marrow biopsies. Also includes autopsy specimens of a primary tumour | 
| 9 | Unknown: No information on how the diagnosis has been made (e.g. Patient Administration System (PAS) / Electronic Patient Record (EPR) only) | 
References:
National Cancer Dataset Version 1.3_ISB October 2002
This attribute is also known by these names:
| Context | Alias | 
|---|---|
| plural | BASIS OF DIAGNOSES | 

