What is not included when counting primary tumors in a medical record?

When counting primary tumors in a medical record, it is important to specifically identify and report only those tumors that originated in the site being evaluated. Primary lesions represent the original cancerous growths, and localized tumors refer to cancers that remain confined to their primary site without spreading. Historical tumors are also included when they are relevant to understanding the patient's cancer history but do not affect the determination of active primary tumors at the time of evaluation.

Metastatic sites, however, are not included in the count of primary tumors. This is because metastatic tumors occur when cancer spreads from its original site to other locations in the body. In the context of tumor registry practices, metastatic sites are considered separate entities and are documented as secondary cancers rather than primary tumors. Therefore, they do not contribute to the count of primary tumors found in the medical record. This distinction is crucial for accurately maintaining cancer data and ensuring appropriate treatment planning and follow-up for patients.