How does InfiniCare define Carcinoma-in-situ and Early-stage Malignancy?

Question

Accepted Answer

Carcinoma –in-situ, as known as “0 stage cancer”, is the earliest stage of  cancer. In this stage, the malignant is restricted to a spot and border of which with normal tissues nearby is significant where cancer cells have not yet penetrated the basement membrane or invaded (in the sense of infiltrating and / or actively destroying) the surrounding tissues or stroma. Carcinoma-in-situ must be confirmed by a biopsy. For definition of which, please refer to our Policy Wordings.
An Early-stage Malignancy is any condition stated below:
(a) Tumor of the thyroid histologically classified as T1N0M0 according to
the TNM classification;
(b) Tumor of the prostate histologically classified as T1a or T1b according
to the TNM classification system;
(c) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia classified as RAI Stage I or II; or
(d) Non-melanoma skin cancer

Definitions according to InfiniCare’s Policy
1.	Carcinoma-in-situ 
A histologically proven, localized pre-invasion lesion where cancer cells have not yet
penetrated the basement membrane or invaded (in the sense of infiltrating and / or
actively destroying) the surrounding tissues or stroma. Cervical intraepithelial
neoplasia grade III (CIN III) and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia grade III (PIN III) are
also included.
For the avoidance of doubt, Carcinoma-in-situ does not include any of the following:
(a) Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade II (CIN II) or below; and
(b) Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia grade II (PIN II) or below; and
(c) Skin Carcinoma-in-situ.
For purposes of this Policy, Carcinoma-in-situ must be confirmed by a biopsy.

2.	Early-stage Malignancy
The presence of one of the following malignant conditions:
(a) Tumor of the thyroid histologically classified as T1N0M0 according to
the TNM classification.
(b) Tumor of the prostate histologically classified as T1a or T1b according
to the TNM classification system.
(c) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia classified as RAI Stage I or II; or
(d) Non-melanoma skin cancer.
The diagnosis must be based on histopathological features and confirmed by a Registered Medical Practitioner. Pre-malignant lesions and conditions, unless listed above, are excluded.